21 June 2013: The Ozone Secretariat has released an information document, titled ‘Embedding ozone protection in the sustainable development agenda,’ that reviews historical and current sustainable development processes, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), introduces initiatives under way to articulate a new development agenda, including on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and discusses the role of ozone in future SDGs.

The paper (UNEP/OzL.Pro.WG.1/33/INF/4) notes the success of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in reducing ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and contributing to climate protection. It states that ODS phase-out is not likely to be a useful indicator under the SDG framework, as it was in the MDGs. Instead, the document proposes that the environmental sustainability aspects of the Montreal Protocol be used in formulating SDG indicators, and suggests an ozone-related indicator that also would address climate change mitigation, such as reducing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and halogen-containing compounds, such as methyl bromide.

The document further suggests using the Montreal Protocol’s experience to develop “an indicator based around the types of mechanisms that have been shown to be important for international treaties to be successful,” with the Protocol serving as a role model for a good governance indicator. It highlights characteristics of the Protocol for consideration in such an indicator, including its: science-based evidence; clear goals, mandatory targets and specific timelines as well as regular progress reviews; principles of common but differentiated responsibility (CBDR) and fairness; flexible legal framework; reliable, adequately endowed financial mechanism; provision for adjustment and amendment, based on latest available information; and non-compliance procedure.

The document was the topic of a side event, hosted by the Ozone Secretariat, at the 33rd Meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (OEWG 33), in Bangkok, Thailand on 25 June 2013. Describing the Montreal Protocol as a role model in addressing global environmental governance challenges, Marco González, Executive Secretary, Ozone Secretariat, suggested drawing upon its experience in developing SDG targets and indicators, including on good governance. [Publication: Embedding ozone protection in the sustainable development agenda] [IISD RS Sources]