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Experiences from the Montreal Protocol: Prosecutors as one element of the enforcement chain Dr Ezra Clark 26 June 2012 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Major impacts of ozone depletion: Cataracts Skin Cancer Weakened Immune System Damage to livestock and terrestrial plant life Damage to aquatic eco-systems Damage to materials
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In 1985, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was adopted. The Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer entered into force in 1987, and now has Universal Ratification (197 Parties). Specific, time-targeted actions to reduce and eliminate the production and consumption of ozone depleting substances. Multilateral Fund for implementation of the Montreal Protocol provides the resources Has enabled reductions of over 97% of all global consumption of controlled ozone depleting substances
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Human health Incidence of skin cancer without Montreal Protocol: 300% increase by 2100 Incidence of skin cancer with Montreal Protocol: peak of 10% increase by 2060 Avoided cataract cases in USA with Montreal Protocol: 22 million cases by 2100 (USEPA, 2010) Plants & trees & aquatic organisms Benefits from avoided reduction of crop harvest in USA: USD 49 billion by 2075 Avoided damages to agricultural and fishery yields and materials: US$ 459 billion dollars by 2060 Avoided greenhouse gases emission 11 billion tonnes CO 2 equivalent per year (Molina, 2009) Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over 20 years valuated at carbon markets as: US$ 3262 billion
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Montreal Protocol adopted Multilateral Fund established CFC freeze CFC 50% reduction CFC 85% reduction 19871991199920052007201020152030 CFCs & halons phased out Methyl bromide phased out HCFCs phased out
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The problem of ODS smuggling was not foreseen when the Protocol was framed. Though entirely unintentional, there are elements of the Montreal Protocol that actually contributed to illegal trade. A significant loophole also existed - recycled substances
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Different phase-out schedules e.g HCFC phase-out in the EU (2010), accession country (e.g 2016), developed countries (2020) and developing countries (2030) High-profit margin e.g. refrigerant price at the local markets in China (few USD), Kyrgyzstan (10 USD) and EU (more than 50 USD) Low risk of being prosecuted e.g. lack of enforcement, little fines and penalties Continued demand for ODS e.g. long equipment lifetime and high costs of replacement or retrofitting, shortage of recycled HCFC in EU
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Global ODS smuggling in 1990s 20 thousand tonnes per year 150-300 thousand UDS per year Global ODS smuggling in 2000s 7–14 thousand tonnes per year 25-60 million USD per year Operation "Sky Hole Patching” in 2006-2007 27 seizures with 155 tonnes of ODS in Asia Operation "Sky Hole Patching II” in 2010 28 seizures with 64 tonnes of ODS 728 items of ODS-containing equipment seized 2 tonns of cocaine seized together with CFC cylinders
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Erodes the success of the Montreal Protocol Undermines compliance and related investment Loss of taxation and duties Threatens legitimate businesses and values of society Health and safety costs Damage to equipment
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To combat these activities, measures were taken by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol to address illegal ODS trade in Article 5 countries. In 1997, a framework was adopted (through the Montreal Amendment) that required all parties to implement an import/export licensing system to track commerce and facilitate data collection. Such a licensing (and quota) system should also allow for better crosschecking of information between importing and exporting countries
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Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) Policy & Enforcement Officers (PEOs) – provide direct assistance to National Ozone Units in developing countries – identification, formulation, implementation & enforcement of licensing systems, laws, regulations, policies, quota systems – only MEA that has this global, regional and nationally focused resource to assist Parties in MP compliance Management of Regional Networks of Ozone Officers – specific actions & coordination on illegal trade issues – 148 developing & 14 developed countries participate Regional training workshops for customs and enforcement officers and representatives from other government agencies
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Public-Private Partnerships Informal Prior Informed Consent Project Sky Hole Patching operations Regional Enforcement Networking Bilateral/Border dialogues Green Customs Initiative Environmental Crime Media Update Trade names database HCFC Phase-out Management Plans (HPMPs)
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1. Administrative Action - Customs or Environmental Agency takes the action (usually only monetary penalties) 2. Civil Judicial – Monetary Damages usually higher, Injunctive relief 3. Criminal Judicial - Highest Penalties-Prison sentences and fines
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Detection Inspection Seizure Determination/Investigation Decision to prosecute Publicise
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Very few cases of prosecutions (especially in developing countries) Structure of national laws can make it difficult Lack of experience Low Prioritisation of issue Disincentives to seize (costs) Most cases do not make it to court
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Main focus is Customs and boarder enforcement Cooperation with environment ministries etc (NOUs) Also include police/INTERPOL Some activities with prosecutors - but needs are not generally expressed for such assistance
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Brainstorming Symposium on Illegal Trade in ODS: Integrated Capacity Building of the Enforcement Chain, Paris 9-10 June 2011 Regional Workshop: The Disposal of Counterfeit Goods for the Judiciary, Law Enforcement Officials and Environmental Officers - World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and UNEP, Bangkok, July 3 -4, 2012 Customs and enforcement training under Montreal Protocol and the Green Customs Initiative Support to create MOUs between customs and national ozone units.
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Better identification of needs Consider cross-MEA training for prosecutors Template of a model laws? UNEP to consider structured programme for enhancing awareness of judges and prosecutors Compendium of court cases Hand book on procedures for proving and prosecuting ODS cases19
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