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 (30-31 st 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

PARTICIPANTS Officers Trained  Nadi (75 %)  Lautoka (50 %)  Suva ( 50 %)  Levuka (100%)  Savusavu (50 %)

RESULTS OBJECTIVEACHIVED VIA AwarenessSession 1 ODS applicationSession 1, 4 & 5 ODS licenceSession 2 Role of COSession 3 Illegal Trade ODSSession 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 TRAINERS Arthur KumarManikam Govind Nacani DreuSailosi Covevena Shelini KumarRishi Deo Rachna LalJone Louie Sharmilla SharmaDhiraj Abhinash Kolinio TorocakeChandra Naidu Narain Sami