Doha: The State of Qatar joins the international community in celebrating the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, observed annually on September 16. The occasion underscores Qatar's growing commitment to environmental protection, resource preservation, climate change mitigation, and the promotion of sustainability through well-structured scientific strategies and plans.
According to Qatar News Agency, under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar prioritizes safeguarding the environment and natural resources while contributing to sustainable development. This includes measures to protect the ozone layer from depletion, with Qatar making significant strides in sustainability and emissions reduction, earning recognition from the UN Environment Programme and other international organizations.
Qatar is an active participant in the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, along with its amendments. These international treaties regulate the production of ozone-depleting substances. Through its membership, the State, represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, implements plans to phase out substances like Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), collaborating with international bodies and national sectors under stringent monitoring mechanisms. The Ministry also organizes community awareness events and student competitions in partnership with international organizations and universities, honoring outstanding participants to raise public awareness of ozone preservation.
Nationally, the Ministry hosts experts from organizations such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization to review progress on HCFC phase-out strategies. These efforts demonstrate Qatar's commitment as a party to the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol while reinforcing cooperation with specialized international organizations to support global ozone protection efforts and combat climate change.
In alignment with international commitments, Qatar has intensified monitoring of the trade in ozone-depleting substances, particularly in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sectors, and coordinates with importing companies to ensure adherence to global environmental standards.
Qatar's National Strategy for Ozone-Depleting Substances Management, launched in 2012, aims to help industries transition to economically viable alternatives while reducing emissions and promoting low-global-warming technologies in key service sectors.
The Ministry emphasizes the importance of adopting eco-friendly alternatives and technologies that do not harm the ozone layer, alongside enforcing relevant legislation. These actions reflect Qatar's recognition of its role within the global system, where every national measure contributes to international endeavors for ozone preservation.
In a statement to QNA, Dr. Mohammed Aayed Al Shammari, Director of the Department of Chemicals and Hazardous Waste at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, affirmed Qatar's commitment to international ozone protection efforts as a party to the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol. He noted that the year's theme for the International Day is 'From Science to Global Action.'
Dr. Al Shammari highlighted the occasion as vital for renewing national commitment to environmental protection, raising awareness about ozone preservation, and showcasing achievements. He emphasized Qatar's active role in safeguarding the global climate and ensuring resource sustainability for future generations, describing the day as an opportunity to strengthen collective action on environmental challenges and foster international cooperation.
He further urged institutions and individuals to adopt sound environmental practices for a clean, safe, and healthy environment. He announced that the Ministry will organize awareness activities as part of Ozone Week 2025.
Qatar's environmental achievements are reflected in numerous projects and measures, alongside joint environmental and climate action with regional and international partners. These efforts align with national plans and strategies, including the Qatar National Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the National Climate Change Action Plan 2030. The latter outlines a roadmap for fulfilling Qatar's climate commitments, with over 35 emission-reduction initiatives and more than 300 adaptation initiatives aiming to cut emissions and greenhouse gases by 25 percent by 2030.
Dr. Al Shammari explained that the celebration of the International Day, along with its activities, is part of ongoing awareness efforts. These include the 'Children's Creativity for Ozone Protection' competition, a public event with interactive activities, and school visits to deliver ozone layer awareness lectures.
Qatar is implementing national activities and programs to phase out ozone-depleting substances, notably through the HCFC Phase-Out Management Plan, targeting the elimination of these substances by 2030. This involves training programs, workshops, an electronic monitoring system, regular inspections, and stakeholder meetings to enhance cooperation and knowledge sharing. Qatar actively participates in regional and international meetings on ozone protection, reflecting its commitment to global developments in this field.
The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is a significant opportunity to unify efforts on this complex environmental challenge, requiring international solidarity. The day reaffirms the UN's support for ozone protection through the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol, which have proven successful in phasing out ozone-depleting substances.
The UN Environment Programme emphasizes the need for continued efforts in protecting the ozone layer and draws inspiration from the success of the Montreal Protocol to address other environmental challenges through global unity. The Montreal Protocol and Vienna Convention remain key instruments for monitoring ozone levels and phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Kigali Amendment.
The 28th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Kigali, Rwanda, in October 2016, saw member states agree to gradually reduce HFCs, which also deplete the ozone layer.