| Montreal, 22/07/2008 – The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) has launched its first online training course on the illegal trade of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in the countries of North America. Geared toward customs officials and environmental and border inspectors of the three countries, the course stresses the role of these officials in the fight against illegal trade of ODS in the region.
ODS contraband is a top-tier problem worldwide. Under the Montreal Protocol, starting in January 2010, no signatory country may consume chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), one of the principal ODS. However, as is it easier to smuggle a bottle of gas than to overhaul and streamline equipment, a sizeable increase in the illegal trafficking of such substances is likely. Therefore, the CEC is calling on the agencies responsible for environmental enforcement, customs and border crossings to enhance their fight against the illegal ODS trade.
In fact, this training initiative represents a new stage in the vision and objectives of cooperation among Canada, Mexico and the United States. The online course provides environmental and customs inspectors throughout North America, whether in the cold Arctic or in the Lacandon jungle, to computer-based access to training on the importance of ODS regulation and control, with an in-depth analysis of applicable rules and practical case studies.
The course is also of use to the general public, as it discusses the science behind the rules. One of the modules describes how ODS transform ozone molecules in the atmosphere, reducing the layer that shields the Earth from solar rays. In addition to discussing general topics, such as the background of ODS, international agreements and national policies, the course assesses enforcement in the three countries and smugglers’ most common modi operandi.
Moreover, the CEC course constitutes a globally applicable training model. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will translate and adapt the content to Russian for training inspectors in the Central Asian region.
The CEC thanks all individuals and agencies who have participated in this initiative and is proud to make the course available to all residents of North America. The CEC is currently working on an online course on the trafficking of hazardous waste in North America.
For further information, visit <www.cec.org/ods> or contact Marco Heredia, maheredia@cec.org. |
