At the Thematic Network Meeting held at Paramaribo, Suriname on October 6th, 2019, an award was given to the only ever Caribbean country to recognize the crucial role of custom & enforcement officers in implementing trade restrictions and ban of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The Global Montreal Protocol Award for Customs and Enforcement Officers was given to Belize’s National Ozone Officer of the National Ozone Unit – Department of the Environment.
The Global Montreal Protocol Award for Customs and Enforcement Officers aims to provide recognition and encouragement to customs and enforcement officers and their respective organization for successful prevention of illegal or unwanted trade of HCFCs. This award enhances regional and international cooperation and awareness of the customs and enforcement community and enforces the Montreal Protocol trade and compliance.
HCFCs contribute to ozone layer depletion and global warming. They will gradually be phased out by 2030 in Belize. HCFC traders in Belize require export/import licenses for HCFC shipments.
For further information, please contact:
Chief Environmental Officer
Department of the Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development & Immigration
Market Square, Belmopan
Tel: 822-2548/2819
Email: envirodept@environment.gov.bz or ozone@environment.gov.bz
Website: www.doe.gov.bz
