A training programme was conducted today by Maldives Customs Service in collaboration with Ministry of Environment and Energy. The one day training programme for enforcement officers was held as part of the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer.

The objective of this workshop was to provide Customs Officers with practical skills necessary to monitor and control import of controlled and banned ODS, detection and prevention of illegal trade of these substances. A total of 18 customs officers participated in this programme. To date 248 customs officers have participated in the series of training programme for enforcement officers. The workshop highlighted the implementation policy of the Montreal Protocol in the Maldives and procedures for controlling and monitoring imports of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). Along with classifying ODS and role of enforcement officers in their control, the programme concluded with practical exercises for participants.

Speaking at the closing ceremony Ms. Miruza Mohamed, Director of Ministry of Environment and Energy thanked the customs officers for their input and co-ordination throughout the series of ODS training programs. She also highlighted that there is a lot more to be done in order to phase out HCFC by 2020 and that this is only possible by continuing this corporation between Ministry of Environment and Energy and Maldives Customs Service. At the ceremony, Senior Superintendent of Maldives Customs Service, Mr. Ahmed Niyaz also highlighted the correlation between the two agencies in implementing the Montreal Protocol and assured of much the commitment of MCS in supporting the implementation of the HCFC Phase-out management plan.