At its 63rd meeting, the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol approved funding for the implementation of HCFC phase-out management plans, which aim to meet Montreal Protocol phase-out targets.
15 April 2011: The Executive Committee (ExCom) of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF) convened for its 63rd meeting in Montreal, Canada, from 4-8 April 2011. The meeting committed over US$40 million to phase-out approximately 400 tons of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in 39 developing countries.
During the meeting, participants committed funding for the implementation of HCFC phase-out management plans for 27 parties, which aim to meet Montreal Protocol phase-out targets. Funding was also approved for the 12 Pacific Island Country parties, who will implement a regional HPMP in order to use funds cost-effectively.
Additional activities approved by the ExCom include activities to maximize the climate co-benefits of HCFC phase-out. HCFCs not only destroy the stratospheric ozone layer, but are also greenhouse gases (GHG). They are used mainly as refrigerants in air conditioners and industrial and commercial refrigeration. Two pilot projects were approved to address the management and disposal of ozone depleting substances (ODS) waste in Ghana and Mexico, which will also provide climate co-benefits. The ExCom also approved funding for institutional strengthening for nine countries and a project for the preparation of methyl bromide phase-out activities in Ecuador. [Multilateral Fund Press Release]