35 years ago, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, an international protocol to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, was prepared for signing to protect the ozone layer through the phase-out and phase-out of ozone-depleting chemicals. It is recognized as the most effective multilateral environmental treaty ever implemented by the world community, as its implementation has led to the phase-out of 99% of ozone-depleting chemicals in refrigerators, air conditioners, aerosols, etc. As a result, the ozone layer is recovering and, according to experts, will finally recover by 2050.

Turkmenistan is a party to the Montreal Protocol and has consistently acceded to all amendments to this document, including the Kigali one, designed to limit the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which have a low ozone-depleting potential, but have a high global warming potential. As scientists suggest, the implementation of the provisions of this amendment can help prevent global warming by 0.4 degrees Celsius by 2100 and thereby curb the processes of climate change.

The project of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) “HCFC phase-out management plan (HPMP)” was directed to fulfill the national obligations of Turkmenistan under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. The main goal of the project is to help the government of Turkmenistan to phase out the use of HCFCs in the service sector, which is the largest consumer of these chemicals.

In the first phase of the project, the Government of Turkmenistan committed to reduce HCFC consumption by 35% of the estimated baseline by 2020. In addition, the activities contained in the HPMP focused on enforcement, strengthening legislation, supporting the refrigeration servicing sector, training service technicians, establishing an ozone-depleting substance (ODS) quality control laboratory, training customs officials and raising awareness. As part of the project, events were held with private companies, such as Salkyn Otag, working with equipment and systems for air conditioning and ventilation, to exchange knowledge and information to promote new technologies in the country.

UNIDO notes the progress made by Turkmenistan in fulfilling its international obligations to protect the ozone layer, noting with satisfaction that the country has ratified the Kigali Amendment, amended the ODS law, maintains a reliable licensing and quota system for HCFCs, and has increased public awareness of the protection of the ozone layer and provided data on the implementation of relevant country programs. As noted on the website of the Organization, the reports and documents submitted by Turkmenistan indicate that the country is fulfilling its obligations and expresses confidence that the government will continue to implement measures that will achieve the goal of the Montreal Protocol.

UNIDO is interested in strengthening fruitful cooperation with the government of Turkmenistan in other areas, including, in particular, the development of high-quality infrastructure, technology parks, modernization of the industrial sector, promotion of investments and technologies, access to international platforms and wide networks to implement the country's industrial development priorities. As noted at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers in January this year, Turkmenistan also intends to expand cooperation with UNIDO, planning to sign new documents on a number of specialized projects. Further development of this cooperation will strengthen the important role that the country plays in the implementation of an inclusive and sustainable industrialization model in its region.