Manama: Marking the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE), emphasized the importance of enhancing local and international cooperation, increasing public awareness, and fostering scientific innovation to bolster environmental responsibility and secure a safe, healthy future for upcoming generations.
According to Bahrain News Agency, this year's observance aligns with the 38th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, celebrated under the theme "From Scientific Knowledge to Global Action," as well as the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer. These two landmark agreements have greatly contributed to the protection and recovery of the ozone layer.
His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad reiterated Bahrain's dedication to reinforcing its leadership role in environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources. He stated that these efforts are guided by the Kingdom's vision of building a sustainable society that is resilient to global challenges and anchored in international environmental standards and the Sustainable Development Goals.
His Highness highlighted that Bahrain continues to align its national policies with global environmental commitments, pointing to the issuance of Decree No. (33) of 2024, which ratifies the Montreal Protocol and its subsequent amendments up to the Kigali Amendments of 2006. HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad remarked that this step demonstrates the Kingdom's determination to balance sustainable development with the protection of human health and the environment.
Furthermore, His Highness noted that the SCE is moving forward with a comprehensive plan to 2030 aimed at the complete phase-out of ozone-depleting substances. This includes promoting sustainable practices in the cooling and air-conditioning sectors, enhancing technical capacity, and adopting international best practices in the management of refrigerants and cooling systems.