5 November 2009: The 21st meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP-21) is convening in Port Ghalib, Egypt, from 4-8 November 2009.

The meeting is arranged into two segments: a three-day preparatory segment; followed by a two-day, high-level segment. MOP-21 is addressing several important substantive matters including the environmentally sound management of ozone depleting substance (ODS) banks and an amendment proposal to phase-down hydroflourocarbons (HFCs) under the Montreal Protocol. [IISD RS meeting coverage]