14 November 2012: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Ozone Secretariat and the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)-based International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) have have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to improve methyl bromide management. Methyl bromide is an ozone depleting substance used to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

According to FAO, the MOU commits the organizations to work closely to promote existing recommendations on the use of methyl bromide, including limiting unwarranted emissions, as well as support to efforts to develop alternative treatments to replace the use of the chemical, where possible. FAO says plant protection authorities need information on and access to alternative treatments that are affordable, effective, and appropriate to their specific needs.

The MOU commits to: strengthen information-gathering on how methyl bromide is currently being used for quarantine purposes in order to identify opportunities for shifting to alternative measures; improve regional and international coordination relating to methyl bromide management; foster information exchanges and cooperative research aimed at reducing emissions of the gas and developing alternative phytosanitary treatments; and promoting best fumigation practices to minimize emissions and encourage wider use of methyl bromide recovery and recycling technologies. [UN Press Release] [FAO Press Release]