Hazards like floods, climate change, irregular rains, and rapidly approaching desert conditions in some parts of Cameroon can be imputed to emission of Ozone Depletion Substances (ODS).
Substances like chlorofluorocarbons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, and methyl bromide, found in fridges, air-conditioners, foam and as solvent for multiple uses imported in to the country have the capacity to and potential to evaporate into the upper atmosphere and destroy the ozone layer that protects life on earth. When this occurs a lot ultraviolet rays is allowed to heat the surface of earth, hence global warming.
The Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation jointly developed a plan within the framework of implementing the hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) Phase-out Management Plan intended to accelerate the phase-out of HCFCs consumption under the Montreal Protocol in Cameroon.
To this effect, a capacity building workshop for customs and environmental law enforcement officers, who are important stakeholders on the control of substances entering the country, were trained to use ODS identification machines between September 26 and 27. It provided various techniques used illegally at trafficking ODS equipment and appliances. Other CFCs reduced by 20 per cent in 2003 and carbon tetrachloride reduced by 85 per cent in 2005.
Facilitated by Enow Peter Ayuk, Montreal Protocol Focal Point, the opening and closing ceremony was presided at by the Littoral Regional Delegate of MINEPDED, Nguegang Etienne.
