STATUS OF METHYL BROMIDE PHASE - OUT IN

FIJI

ODS UNIT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT

BACKGROUND Ratification of the Montreal Protocol (Ozone

Depleting Substances) and Vienna Convention ( Protection of the Ozone Layer)

Draft of a Framework of Activities to be undertaken to achieve the required phase out of ozone depleting substances:

1992, Fiji Country Program to be implemented from 1997.

Objectives of Country Program To survey, assess and analyze the situation

with regard to consumption and use patterns from 1986 to 1991

To record the existing institutional framework including governmental bodies, industry associations, and related organizations

To analyse possible future demands for controlled substances if no measures are taken to control the consumption and estimate incremental costs

To spell out the government strategy with regard to the phase out

To outline the Action Plan including strengthening of institutional capacity and capability

To provide framework for future programs and projects for which financial and technical assistance is sought and to prioritize activities through a schedule

to outline the scheme for implementing the Action Plan for monitoring the consumption of controlled substances to:

I) ensure that the Country Programme is implemented

II) enable observation/evaluation of effectiveness of the implementation of the Action Plan in reducing and phasing out consumption

III)ensure compliance with the reporting requirements of the Protocol (Article 7)

Fiji Country Programme entails: a) Data and information on the consumption

and use pattern of ODS, collected through a survey done by INR (currently IAS).

b) Analyses of possible future demands and incremental costs.

c) Information on relevant existing institutional and policy framework

d) government strategy and Action Plan Lead UN Agency: UNEP, MLF, IE/PAC Lead local Agency: MHUD (MLGHE)

Action Plan Required consultative process: the

Consultative Committee for Ozone Depleting Substances - CCODS (no longer)

6 Government programmes 7 Industry projects

BACKGROUND RMP Phase I – 27 customs officers trained (2001) Refresher (30-31st May 2002) – to refresh

trainers of phase I. Phase II – (2003) train remaining CO. Phase III (2004) – monitoring.

OVERALL OBJECTIVES Increase awareness on ODS Familiarize CO on ODS & their application. ODS licensing system Role of CO implementation of Montreal

Protocol. Identification of ODS Identify illegal trade.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Verify ODS Permits.(1 min) Detain suspected ODS Act as FICS ODS Examiners.

LONGTERM Monitor and control ODS trade (as in

MOU) Increase awareness

PARTICIPANTSOfficers Trained Nadi (75 %) Lautoka (50 %) Suva ( 50 %) Levuka (100%) Savusavu (50 %)

Total Customs officers Trained in Phase II

0

10

20

30

40

50

Nadi Lautoka Suva levuka

Ports

No. of O

ffice

rs Trained

RESULTS

OBJECTIVE ACHIVED VIA

Awareness Session 1

ODS application Session 1, 4 & 5

ODS licence Session 2

Role of CO Session 3

Illegal Trade ODS Session 3

Lessons Learnt Using CO as co-trainers is very effective. Practical sessions are very informative. Case study proved to be very interesting in

terms of its practical aspects. The mix of CO from different sections and

levels of FICS was good. The participants felt training should be 2 –3

days longer.

FOLLOW UP ACTION PLAN Complete Phase II training by February 2004 –

esp. priority areas. Certification (2004). Work on recommendations of phase II workshop. Monitor the illegal trade of ODS. Handover equipment to FICS ( all cost of

maintenance/ repair and calibration born by DOE). MOU sustenance.

Evaluation by Participants 119 of the 125 questionnaires were returned. Most ratings were good to very good.The officers comments were as follows: Include Customs Agents in training. Extend training to 2-3 Days. Field trips to industries. Refresher to be conducted. Clarification on data reporting procedures.

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED Delay in signing of MOU. Low attendance by Suva & Lautoka COs

without prior notice. General deficiency in relay of

communication of information from managers to frontline staff of FICS

Western Trainers were not available for most training.

Limited funding.

RECOMMENDATIONS To incorporate training into the current training

programmes of Customs, to cater for those who have missed out and new recruits.

Encouragement and support to Managers and staff in whatever way possible. (Participants are found to be very eager to take part in this programme due to the simplistic objectives).

In lieu of Trainer shortages, Trainers from Suva can be made available, under proper planning.

Use trainers from Nadi & Lautoka.

FICS TRAINERSArthur Kumar Manikam GovindNacani Dreu Sailosi CovevenaShelini Kumar Rishi DeoRachna Lal Jone LouieSharmilla Sharma Dhiraj AbhinashKolinio Torocake Chandra NaiduNarain Sami