Doha: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), represented by the Chemical and Hazardous Waste Department, organized a technical workshop on the Montreal Protocol (MP) and the Kigali Amendment. The workshop was part of the national efforts dedicated to protecting the ozone layer, reducing Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODSs), and reviewing the latest technical developments related to controlled substances.

According to Qatar News Agency, the participants broadly deliberated on the technical and applied aspects related to the enforcement of both the aforementioned protocol and amendment. They discussed the required measures to strengthen cooperation among the relevant national agencies and explored avenues for incremental transition toward eco-friendly alternatives. The workshop aimed to energize technical efforts throughout the upcoming period.

The workshop was an opportunity to discuss what had previously been achieved at the level of technical programs in connection with the protocol and the amendment. It highlighted aspects that require further advancement to enhance technical efficiency in handling substances subject to control and compliance under the Protocol, outlined Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs, Youssef Ibrahim Al Hamar.

Al Hamar further indicated that sharing expertise among specialists contributes to forging a common understanding for technical evolution, particularly in sectors that rely on cooling and air-conditioning systems. Learning from global experiences offers a scientific basis that helps national agencies keep up with updated technical requirements, he elaborated, noting that capacity-building for those operating in this field represents an essential component in executing the nation's commitments.

In addition, Al Hamar pointed out that professional training programs help boost awareness of proper practices in handling ozone-layer-associated equipment and substances. The event included primers on Qatar's commitment under the MP and Kigali Amendment, along with the engagement of a technical expert from the MP's Technology and Evaluation Team. Qatar University also offered to train technicians in the cooling and air-conditioning sectors, thereby augmenting the operators' capabilities and promoting proper environmental practices.