Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe on Tuesday joined the international community in commemorating the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commonly known as World Ozone Day.
Running under the global theme “40 Years of the Vienna Convention: From Science to Global Action” World Ozone Day marks the anniversary of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, signed on September 16, 1987, widely regarded as one of the most successful environmental treaties in history.
The landmark agreement set out a phased elimination of harmful ozone-depleting substances (ODS), particularly those used in refrigeration, air conditioning and industry.
The United Nations General Assembly designated September 16 as World Ozone Day through Resolution 49/114 in 1994, a decision meant to encourage reflection, awareness, and global cooperation in protecting the ozone layer.
In a statement to mark the occasion, the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Evelyn Ndlovu reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the treaty and its subsequent amendments, including the Kigali Amendment, which specifically targets the reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) potent greenhouse gases.
Zimbabwe is one of the 165 countries that have ratified the amendment. “The ozone layer serves as a vital shield, protecting all life forms from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Its protection is directly linked to safeguarding human health, ecosystems and global food security,” said the minister.
She said Zimbabwe is currently implementing two major programmes, namely the Second Stage Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP), aimed at eliminating HCFC consumption by January 1, 2030, and the Stage I Kigali Implementation Plan, which targets a 10 percent reduction in HFC consumption by 2029.
“To support these efforts, tools and equipment have been procured for use by refrigeration and air conditioning technicians and distributed to polytechnic institutions and refrigerant recovery centres nationwide. ”
Additional equipment for customs officers, essential for curbing illegal trade in controlled substances is expected to arrive shortly. We acknowledge the valuable support of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the refrigeration industry in advancing our national compliance with the Montreal Protocol,” she said.
This year’s theme highlights four decades since the adoption of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, which laid the foundation for the Montreal Protocol. Ndlovu said that both instruments have achieved universal ratification, underscoring global consensus on protecting the atmosphere.
The Convention continues to guide scientific monitoring, capacity building, and research pillars that remain central to climate and environmental governance. “Zimbabwe stands in solidarity with the world in celebrating this milestone. The unwavering support of our stakeholders reinforces our determination to safeguard the ozone layer and strengthen resilience against climate change,” she said.
New Ziana
