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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASIA AND THE PACIFIC REGION ALREADY REDUCED CFC CONSUMPTION BY HALF

BEIJING, China, June 14, 2005 --/WORLD-WIRE/-- With recent data showing that they have already reduced their CFC consumption by fifty percent, twenty three countries from the Asia and the Pacific region gather together in Beijing with the magnificent Great Wall of China as an inspiration, to agree on further actions that will bring them closer to full phase out of ozone depleting substances (ODS) under the Montreal Protocol.

Representatives from ozone protection focal points from South Asia and Southeast Asia and the Pacific discuss the challenges faced in ensuring that 50 percent of the production and consumption of CFCs and halons, 85 percent of CTCs and 30 percent of Methyl Chloroform need to go by the end of this year. The theme "Gearing up for 2007 and beyond" also shows that they are confronted by further commitments that need to be met by 2007 which includes further reductions in their ODS use.

For a region where most ODS use is important in its economic development and where two of the largest ODS producers are located, reducing CFC consumption to 46,352.35 ODP tons from a baseline of 103,321.93 ODP tons is very good news.

But although countries have shown a marked decrease in CFC consumption, they have yet to commit to further reductions especially on halon and methyl bromide phase out. Specific benchmarks will need to be set to allow countries to meet these targets without any difficulties.

The region still continues to face problems of illegal ODS trade among border countries, but it has sufficiently put in place a system of regional cooperation and coordination that allows for this to be resolved by the concerned countries.

"I have no doubt that the Asia and Pacific region can set another example for the world to follow in fully complying with the upcoming and most critical obligations of the Montreal Protocol. Non-compliance with the Protocol, whether large or small, will have negative repercussion on the achievements thus far" said Mr. Surendra Shrestha, Regional Director and Representative, UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. This three-day meeting of the Regional Networks of ODS Officers from South Asia and Southeast Asia and the Pacific will plan:

comprehensive policy and actions such as solid control and monitoring on ODS import,
conversion to alternatives and emissions reductions,
public awareness and involvement at least for the next year for these countries.
identify potential difficulties that countries might face in 2007, and suggest specific actions to move these commitments forward.

Ms. Monique Barbut, Director of UNEP's Division of Technology, Industry and Economics in Paris, said "that the compliance challenges of 2005 and 2007 will not be easy to overcome and can be faced through development of regional cooperation. We also would be able draw inspiration from the historic Great Wall in Beijing to witness what human dedication can achieve. This human feat should add to the countries' resolve to assist in building a wall around our globe to prevent UV radiation from getting in and meeting Montreal Protocol obligations may no longer seem too challenging."

This meeting is part of the work programme of the UNEP Compliance Assistance Programme in the regional office for Asia and the Pacific. The CAP team provides UNEP assistance to the region for compliance with the Montreal Protocol.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Mr. Atul Bagai,
Regional Coordinator (Networking), South Asia Network
Compliance Assistance Programme
OzonAction Programme
UNEP Regional Office of Asia and Pacific
UN-ESCAP, UN Building
Rajadamnern Nok Avenue,
Bangkok 10200
Tel: ++66 2 288 1662
Fax: ++66 2 280 3829
Email: bagai@un.org

Or visit the UNEP DTIE OzonAction website on http://www.uneptie.org/ozonaction/

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