International Day for
the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
Message by H.E. Mr. Jan Kavan, President of 57th Session of the
16 September 2002
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Conference
on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. It also marks
the 15th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol where States committed
themselves to preserving the ozone layer. In the years since these
milestone events, we have had some success in saving the ozone
layer which shields life on Earth from dangerous radiation and
its damaging consequences to human health.
Fifteen years ago, States collectively took measures
to protect life and the environment from adverse effects on the
ozone layer caused by human activity. Since then the Montreal
Protocol has been amended and improved several times. About 100
ozone-damaging chemicals have been banned or are being phased
out. US$1.3 billion has been contributed by donors to the Multilateral
Fund to help developing countries with implementation of the Protocol.
Further resources will be allocated for the next triennium.
During the past few years the ozone layer has stabilized.
This success, in halting the negative trend, was possible because
of the collaboration of all nations and people who care about
preserving the global environment. However, these efforts will
have to be maintained if we are to restore the ozone layer to
its original levels. Because of the long-lasting impact of ozone
depleting substances, we know that the recovery process may take
Therefore, for the foreseeable future, the international
community must vigorously tackle all possible threats to the ozone
layer. Let me emphasize, in this connection, the need to deal
particularly with new substances that have a high potential to
deplete the ozone layer and illegal trade with these substances.
The experience of the past decade has shown that
the international community has been able to allocate substantial
resources to help industry adopt cleaner production methods. It
has also been very encouraging to see, in many countries, the
political will for the phasing-out of ozone depleting chemicals.
In the coming years, it is essential to continue this process
and adhere to the schedules and timetables in accordance with
provisions of the Montreal Protocol.
In conclusion, I should like to thank the Multilateral
Fund of the Convention together with the donor countries, the
Global Environment Facility, UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO, the World Bank
and others for their valuable and important activities in the
fight for the protection of the ozone layer.