22 May 2012: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), through its OzonAction Programme, have launched the Ozone Protection Award to provide customs and law enforcement officials in Africa the opportunity to provide descriptions and details of specific actions aimed at preventing illegal trade in ozone depleting substance (ODS) and ODS equipment.

The award is expected to highlight the achievements and environmental benefits of collaborative efforts undertaken by governments to operationalize the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol). It is expected that the award will also assist in raising awareness on the Protocol, as well as promote cooperation between customs services and their respective national ozone units.

UNEP underlines that ODS smuggling reduces the incentives for users to shift to alternatives as well as supplying energy efficient alternative technologies using ozone- and climate-friendly refrigerants.

Online applications for the award are open, closing on 31 August 2012. Winners will be invited to attend a Network Meeting for Ozone Officers scheduled to take place in Djibouti in September/October 2012. [UNEP Press Release] [UNEP OzonAction Programme Website]