South Asia National Ozone Officers Annual Network Meeting – 2017
HCFC Phase-out and Kigali Amendment – Implications, Challenges and Way
Forward for South Asia
&
Training for New National Ozone Officers
23-26 May 2017
ITC Mughal Hotel, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
A. Background
The South Asia (SA) Network Meeting is part of United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) initiative and its 2017 work plan to support the phase-out of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in the Asia and the Pacific region. The network meeting is funded by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF), organized by UN Environment and hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India.
Regional networking provides a regular interactive forum for National Ozone Officers (NOOs) from A5 countries to exchange experiences, develop skills, and share knowledge and ideas with their counterparts from both developing and developed countries as well as with Secretariats and Bilateral/Implementing Agencies in order to achieve compliance with the provisions of the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments.
The SA Network was established as part of the CAP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP)to support the Montreal Protocol compliance in 13 Article 5 countries the region, namely: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Iran, Japan, Korea DPR, Republic of Korea, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. For this network, Japan is the non-Article 5 partner. All South Asian countries are in compliance with the Montreal Protocol based on the 2015 reported A7 data. Some South Asian countries like Maldives and Bhutan have surpassed their obligations.
The meeting is taking place at a critical time for the Montreal Protocol. A5 countries are striving to meet the commitment with the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by addressing technological challenges related to different consuming sectors and trying to maximize climate benefits and in doing so leapfrog from high to low GWP alternatives and technologies when feasible. At the same time, member-states have started to address the national use and bank of ODS alternatives and their applications benefiting from the funding window allowed by MLF for this purpose in response to the Parties decision XXI/9. With such challenges, another dimension has now emerged represented by the Kigali amendment of the Montreal Protocol for the phase-down of HFCs.
How does Kigali amendment affect HPMP Stage 1 and 2 implementation in South Asia is an issue network countries want to address at this point. The text of the Meeting of Parties decision XXVIII/2 on this issue is as follows: “to acknowledge the linkage between the HFC and HCFC reduction schedules relevant to sectors and the preference to avoid transitions from HCFCs to high-GWP HFCs and to provide flexibility if no other technically proven and economically viable alternatives are available. To also acknowledge these linkages with respect to certain sectors, in particular industrial process refrigeration, and the preference to avoid transitions from HCFCs to high-GWP HFCs and to be willing to provide flexibility, if no other alternatives are available, in cases where HCFC supply may be unavailable from existing allowable consumption, stocks as well as recovered/recycled material, and it would allow for a direct transition at a later date from HCFCs to low-GWP or zero-GWP alternatives. To provide, prior to the commencement of the Article 5 HFC freeze, flexibility measures in relation to the HCFC phase-out relevant to certain sectors, in particular the industrial process refrigeration subsector, in order to avoid double conversions.”
UN Environment through CAP has structured accordingly the programme of the Annual Network and Thematic meetings in 2017 to ensure addressing these most urgent and important emerging issues, faced by Parties,while continue addressing the current and forthcoming compliance needs both towards the MP control measures and MLF funded projects. The meeting will also provide an opportunity for NOO to learn and interact with stakeholders from public and private sectors in India, one of the largest producing and consuming countries among Article 5 countries in the Network as well as for the Indian counterparts to get informed and motivated for the HPMP implementation and Kigali Amendment Ratification.
B. Objectives
The objectives of the Annual 2017 Network Meeting are to provide a forum for NOO from 13 South Asian Countries to review CAP services provided in 2016, discuss the approved 2017 CAP work plan for the South Asia network and reach an understanding on how to implement the work plan and to be updated on the changes in the landscape of the Montreal Protocol in light of the Kigali Amendment. It will also discuss experiences, findings, and challenges the HPMP and potential Kigali Amendment implementation represents and determine recommendations on the way forward to accommodate the control of HCFCs and HFCs under the Montreal Protocol.
C. Intended Outputs and Impact
By the end of the network meeting it is expected to achieve the following results:
o Strengthened capacity of NOO on the operation of the Montreal Protocol;
o Knowledge and understanding on the latest ExCom Decisions and outcomes of the Meeting of the Parties (MOP) in Rwanda on the Kigali Amendment, and other new developments;
o Enhanced understanding of NOOs of the national process to ratify the Kigali Amendment;
o Agreed 2017 CAP work plan and activities for the South Asia Network;
o Better awareness of the large producing and consuming country context for the compliance with the Montreal Protocol.
o Enhanced networking, collaboration and professional exchanges among the Network Members and other collaborating agencies for better implementation of the Montreal Protocol.
D. Preparations for NOO prior to the meeting
NOO are strongly encouraged to read relevant reports of the recent Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol and Executive Committee and meetings. This includes documents containing the Final Report of the 28th Meeting of the Parties Report (UNEP/OzL.Pro.28/12 dated 15 November 2016) and the 78th Executive Committee (UNEP/OzL.Pro/ExCom/78/11 dated 13 April 2017), information relevant to the development of the cost guidelines for the phase-down of HFCs in Article 5 countries, namely UNEP/OzL.Pro/ExCom/78/5 and Corr.1 (Draft criteria for funding), UNEP/OzL.Pro/ExCom/78/6 (Enabling activities), and UNEP/OzL.Pro/ExCom/78/7 (Institutional strengthening).
NOO must also have an in-depth understanding on the Kigali Amendment as contained in decisions XXVIII/1 and XXVIII/2 of the Parties.
E. Annotated Agenda of the Annual 2017 Network Meeting
| TIME | SESSION | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| DAY 1- Tuesday, 23 May, 2017 | ||
|
Session 1 –Introduction and Updates |
||
| 08:30-09:30 | Registration | |
| 09:30-10:00 | Opening Session | |
| o Welcome Remarks from Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India (3 min) | Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh, I.A.S., Joint Secretary | |
| o Welcome remarks from the CAP OzonAction, UN Environment – (3 min) | Ms. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, Head of OzonAction | |
| o Opening Statement from Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India (5 min) | Mr. R.R.Rashmi, I.A.S., Special Secretary | |
| o Opening statement from the UN Environment Regional Office for Asia and Pacific – (5 min) | Ms. Dechen Tsering, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific | |
| o Key Note Address from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change – (10 min) | Mr. Ajay Narayan Jha, I.A.S., Secretary, MoEFC | |
| Inauguration of the Ozone2Climate Technology Exhibition and Group Photo | ||
| 10:00-10:30 | Tea Break | |
| 10:30-11:10 |
Updates on the Montreal Protocol meetings: o Decisions of the 28th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol o Issues for consideration by Parties at the 39th Opened Ended Working Group o Key happenings in 2017 Feedback and Discussions |
Ms. Meg Seki, Ozone Secretariat |
| 11:10-11:50 |
Updates on the Executive Committee meetings: o Key Outcomes of 77th and the Special 78th Executive Committee Meetings o Issues to be considered for the 79th Executive Committee Meeting o Issues related to South Asia Countries (Country Programme Reporting, Projects etc.) Feedback and Discussions |
Mr. Eduardo Ganem, MLF Secretariat |
| 11:50-12:20 |
OzonAction Vision to Achieve 2020 Compliance Targets o 2017-2019 UNEP Rolling Strategy and Business Plan |
Ms. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, UN Environment |
| TIME | SESSION | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Feedback and Discussions | ||
| 12:20-12:30 | Role of Customs in ensuring compliance in India | Mr. P.K.Dash, I.R.S., Director General, National Academy for Customs, Excise and Narcotics |
| 12:30-12:40 | Role of Lead Agency of HPMP in ensuring compliance in India | Mr. Jaco Cilliers, Country Director, UNDP India |
|
Session 2 – Mainstreaming HCFC Phase-out: Climate and Energy Efficiency Co-benefits |
||
| 13.30–17.30 (including 30 minutes for tea break) |
Overview of possible activities to mainstream HPMP implementation (10 min): o Assessing the regulatory context o Stakeholder mapping and engagement o Developing national strategies for refrigerant transition o Possible areas: – Green/Sustainable Public Procurement – Green Building Codes – Standards for natural refrigerants, including the regional harmonization efforts – Certification of technicians – Demonstration projects – Awareness and communication |
Ms. Liazzat Rabbiosi , UN Environment |
| Followed by a range of 10-15 minutes presentation from national experiences | ||
|
Mainstreaming Energy Efficiency into government practices on cooling technologies and green buildings: o Presentation by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)/Bureau of Energy Efficiency |
Mr. Saurabh Kumar , EESL, Ministry of Power, Government of India |
|
|
Green Buildings and HCFC phase out: o Sri Lanka Green Building Codes 2017 |
Mr. Janaka Gunawardene, NOU, Sri Lanka |
|
|
Public Procurement and HCFC phase-out o Case study of Green Public Procurement in Bhutan o Government e-Marketing: How to integrate zero ODP and low GWP appliances |
Ms. Tsewang Zangmo, NOU, Bhutan Mr. R. Karuppiah, Additional Director General (QA), Directorate General of Supplies & Disposal, Government of India |
|
|
Cold Chain and HCFC Phase-out o India HPMP Stage 2 activities for the cold chain management |
Mr. Pawanexh Kohli, National Cold Chain Development Board, India |
|
| TIME | SESSION | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
|
Standards for Zero ODS and Low GWP Options and HCFC Phase-out: o Importance of Safety Standards for natural refrigerants o Standards for Zero ODS and Low GWP Options and HCFC Phase out and scope for Regional Standardization o Standards for flammable refrigerants and HCFC phase out in China |
Mr. Chandra Bhushan, Centre of Science and Environment, Delhi Mr. Rajneesh Khosla and Ms. Khusboo Kumari, Bureau of Indian Standards, Government of India Mr. Xu Chen / Ms Guo Changyun,FECO, China |
|
|
Certification of Refrigeration Technicians: The Process o Certification of technicians: example of India |
Mr. Asheesh Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India | |
|
Joint implementation of climate and ozone issues: o Low Carbon Island GEF Project in Maldives: lessons learned |
Ms. Miruza Mohamed, Maldives NOU | |
|
Special Session – Training for new NOOs and Wrap-up of the Day’s Proceedings |
||
| 17.30-18.00 |
Introduction of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer o Science of Ozone Layer and its Depletion o The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and its Amendments; o Organigram of the Montreal Protocol: Parties to the Montreal Protocol, Ozone Secretariat, Multilateral Fund Secretariat- Executive Committee and Implementing Agencies |
Ms. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, UN Environment |
| 18.00-18.30 |
Knowing Ozone Depleting Substances and their Alternatives o Usage applications of ozone depleting substances in refrigeration and air-conditioning sector; o What alternatives are medium, longer term alternatives to ODS and how to know the difference? |
Mr. Dalibor Kysela, UNIDO |
| 19:00-21.00 | Reception hosted by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Taj Khema | |
| Day 2: Wednesday, 24 May 2017 | ||
|
Session 3 – Preparatory process for the Kigali Amendment ratification |
||
| 09:00-10:00 | The Kigali Amendment Decision XXVIII/1 and | Ms. Tina Birmpili, Ozone |
| TIME | SESSION | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
|
XXVIII/2 o What is the Kigali Amendment and how will it work o Decision XXVIII/2 related to the Amendment o Implications of ratification o Ratification process and ongoing preparations for implementation o Outline of national mechanisms and approaches to the ratification |
Secretariat | |
| 10:00-12.00(with tea served in the meeting room) |
Group Discussion: What Kigali Amendment means for me as a NOO? Implications of Kigali Amendment to the South Asia Countries – country perspectives This is opened-discussion session in which the NOOs will be asked to express their view on their perspective on different aspects related to the Kigali Amendment as follows: o Towards HFC Phase down – 2024: Challenges and First Steps o Priorities and timetable for the Ratification o Institutional structure at national level o Additional funding for Institutional Strengthening and additional responsibilities, o Identifying and engaging with relevant stakeholders o Additional stakeholders mapping o Data collection with focus on CO2 equivalence o On legislation and regulations o Overview of the available options and technological choices to make o On assessment to technology and technical assistance o Outline of the process how to assess the business impacts of KA (reference to ODS Alternatives Survey Results) |
All NOUs: Group discussions facilitated by Eduardo Ganem, Chief Officer, MLFS Enabling Activities HFCs Cost Guidelines |
|
Session 4 – Overview of the Technology Choices |
||
| 12.00-14.00 |
Overview of Challenges in the Network for introduction of ODS alternative technologies in Room AC Sector o Indian Industry perspective on challenges for room AC sector o China Industry perspective on challenges for room AC sector |
Mr. Ravinder Kumar Mehta , Refrigeration and Air conditioning Manufacturers Association Mr. Xu Chen, Industry Technical Expert, FECO |
| TIME | SESSION | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
|
o Introduction of R-32 technologies in the network countries o Successful experience in introducing R-32 technology in the room AC sector in Thailand o Introduction of R-290 technologies in the network countries o Challenges & Opportunities to Improve the Energy Efficiency in Air conditioning Sector Overview of Challenges in the Network for introduction of ODS alternative technologies in Foam Sector Feedback and Discussions |
Mr. Gaurav Mehtani, Daikin India Mr. Viraj Vithoontien, World Bank Mr. Abhishek Pathak, Godrej and Boyce Mr. J. M. Bhambure, Blue Star Limited Mr. Samir Arora, Indian Polyurethane Association |
|
| 14:00-15:00 | Lunch and leave for the Field Trip | |
| 19.00 – 21.00 | Reception hosted by UN Environment at Fatehpur Sikri | |
| DAY 3 – Thursday, 25 May 2017 | ||
|
Special Session – Training for new NOO |
||
| 08.00-08.30 |
Roles and Functions of National Ozone Officers o Executive Committee Decision on the establishment of a National Ozone office under the Institutional Strengthening project o Why it is necessary to have a National Ozone Officer? o Roles and functions of the National Ozone Officer Collaboration and communication with other stakeholders |
Ms. Tshering Zangmo, NOU, Bhutan |
| 08.30-09.00 |
ODS licensing and annual quota system relationship and differences o The difference and relationship between quota system and licensing system; o Criteria and timeline for setting up the quota to importers; o Monitoring of quota and licensing system. |
Ms. Song Yang, FECO, China |
|
Session 5 – Challenges and Compliance |
||
| 09:00-11:00 | Overview of Technical and Policy Challenges in | Mr. Anshu Kumar, UNDP |
| TIME | SESSION | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
|
Meeting 2020 Phase Out Targets Lessons Learned & Insights of Implementing Agencies and Bilateral Partners – (10 min. statement/presentation from each agency followed by Q&A) Feedback and Discussions |
Mr. Dalibor Kysela, UNIDO
Mr. Bernhard Siegele, GIZ Proklima Mr. Niro Tohi, Japan Mr. Viraj Vithoontien, World Bank Ms. Liazzat Rabbiosi, UN Environment |
|
| 11.00-11.15 | Tea Break | |
| 11:15-12:00 |
Status of Compliance and Differences in Reported Trade Data in the Asia and the Pacific Region For this session, SA countries are urged to prepare import/export data during 2015-2016, which would be useful for comparison and discussion on data discrepancy – (15 min) Case-study 1: Review of HCFC trade between China and SA countries (10 min) Case Study 2: Customs and NOU online system: Experience from Iran (10 min) Feedback and Discussions |
Ms. Meg Seki, Ozone Secretariat Ms. Song Yang, China ODS Import/Export Control Office Ms. Maryam Hassani, NOU, Iran |
| 12:00-12:45 |
Other Key Challenges remaining in the HPMP process: o QPS Uses of Methyl Bromide and alternatives: Challenges in South Asia (15 min) o Outcome of Sustainable Management ofRefrigeration Technologies in Marine and Off-Shore Fisheries Sectors organized from 6-8 April 2016(10 min) Discussions on how this is relevant for the Network countries Feedback and Discussions |
Mr. S. Ganesan, Indian Chemical Council (ICC) Ms. Miruza Mohamed, NOO, Maldives |
| 12.45-13.30 | Lunch Break | |
|
Session 6 – South Asia CAP Work plan and Implementation of next stages |
||
| 13:30-15:00 |
Review of Progress of UNEP CAP ROAP Services 2016, Workplan for 2017 and priorities for 2018 o Follow up on the recommendations of the last network meeting o Review of CAP SA team services delivered in 2016 o CAP work plan 2017 – Country by country compliance review – CAP services – Review of status of A7/CP data report submission |
Atul Bagai and Liazzat Rabbiosi, UN Environment CAP Services and Activities including South-South Cooperation: 2016 Review and 2017 Plan Mr. Atul Bagai, UN Environment |
| TIME | SESSION | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
|
– Training requirements for servicing sector in 2017-2018 – CAP activities and South-South cooperation 2017 – Regional and national ozone day celebration – What else do the South Asia countries need from CAP o Setting priorities for 2018 Feedback and Discussions |
||
| 15.00-15.30 | Challenges Faced in the Analysis of the ODS Survey Results | Mr. Eduardo Ganem, MLF Secretariat |
| 15.30-15.45 | Tea Break | |
|
Session 7 – Hands-on sessions on new tools for NOO |
||
| 15:45-16.30 |
OzonAction capacity building tools and materials for NOUs o New NOU guide & training modules o New smartphone applications and e-learning – live demonstration o Approaches for dissemination of latest technical information to technicians and enforcement officers |
Mr. Ezra Clark and Mr. Mikheil Tushishvili, UN Environment Ms. Liane Katozka-Maier, BFS, Germany R. Gopichandran, Director, Vigyan Prasar, Department of Science and Technology, India |
| 16.30-17.00 |
OzonAction International Partnerships with RAC Associations o Why Partnering and Objectives o Update on the cooperation with ASHRAE and its relevance to support RAC stakeholders in A5 countries o UNEP – AHRI Initiative of Refrigerant Driving License (RDL) o UNEP- AREA Universal Training Kit o Other partnerships (IIR, EPEE, JRAIA) Feedback and Discussions |
Mr. Ayman Eltalouny, UN Environment (skype) |
|
Session 8 – Wrap-up and ‘looking ahead’ |
||
| 17.00–18.00 |
Summary of the discussion and next meeting • Key conclusions and agreements • Any other matter • Participants final messages |
UN Environment |
| TIME | SESSION | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| DAY 4- Friday, 26 May 2017 | ||
|
Special Session – Training for new NOO and Wrap-up of the Previous 2 Day’s Proceedings |
||
| 09.30-10.00 |
Reporting obligations under the Montreal Protocol and Multilateral Fund o Report under Article 7 of the Montreal Protocol; o Country Programme Implementation Progress and assessment for online submission; o Reporting consumption of ODS in blends/mixtures; o How the National Ozone Officer can ensure quality, accuracy and consistency of Article 7 data and Country Programme Implementation Progress. |
Ms. Miruza Mohamed, NOU, Maldives |
| 10.00-10.30 |
Overview of Institutional Strengthening Project (IS Project), HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) o Objectives and components of the IS Project; o Objectives and components of the HPMP. |
Mr. Janaka Gunawardana, NOU, Sri Lanka |
| 10.30-11.00 |
Legal instruments and UN Environment internal reporting requirements o Overview of legal instruments; o Key legal provisions; o Reporting requirements (progress, financial expenditure, cash advance and inventory of non-expendable equipment); o Payments procedures. |
Ms. Liazzat Rabbiosi, UN Environment |
| 11.00-11.30 | Tea Break | |
| 11.30-12.00 |
Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) of UN Environment OzonAction o Introduction of UN Environment OzonAction, CAP o Services of UNEP CAP in supporting function of NOO in the SEAP Network: -Compliance -Networking -South-south cooperation -Capacity building and awareness raising -Others? |
Mr. Atul Bagai, UN Environment |
| 12.00-12.30 | Informal Prior Informed Consent (iPIC) – live demonstration | Ms. Song Yang, FECO, China |
| 12.30-13.00 | Lessons learned from experienced NOU o Two small talks of useful experiences |
Two selected NOUs |
|
ODS LICENSING AND ANNUAL QUOTA SYSTERM RELATIONSHIP Introduction of HPMP |
||
| 13.00 | Meeting adjourned and Lunch | |