NEW DELHI: The member Governments of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer will meet in New Delhi from October 30 to November 3 to consider how best to reduce the remaining sources of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other chemicals that destroy the life-protecting stratospheric ozone shield.

"The phase-out of harmful chemicals agreed under the Montreal Protocol has progressed so successfully that the sources of greatest concern 20 years ago will soon be virtually eliminated if the Parties continue to comply fully with the Protocol," according to Achim Steiner of the United Nations Environment Programme.

The meeting will examine the key challenges that governments will face over the next decade in protecting the ozone layer and consider how to ensure that the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances is sustained over time.

In particular, a decision must be taken on requests from developed countries for continued exemptions permitting them to use methyl bromide, a fumigant for soils and high-value crops and other commodities, beyond the 2005 phase-out date (the deadline for developing countries is 2015).

The recommended exemptions total some 9,000 metric tonnes for 2007 and around 5,000 tonnes for 2008, down from the 16,050 tonnes agreed earlier for 2005 and the 13,418 tonnes agreed for 2006.

Existing stockpiles

The discussions may also touch on the issue of how existing stockpiles of methyl bromide should be treated.

Also, additional decisions on requests from the United States and the European Union for the continued use of CFCs for asthma inhalers in 2007 and 2008 will be taken.

According to data collected by the ozone secretariat, from 1986 to 1994 developed countries reduced their use of CFCs - the major cause of ozone depletion - by 98 per cent.

Developing countries are expected to achieve a 97 per cent within a few years.

Compliance

However, this scenario assumes full compliance with all provisions of the Protocol.

In that regard, the New Delhi meeting will also consider how to ensure compliance through possible additional measures, including measures to address illegal trade.

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