The Benin Republic recently celebrated the 39th World Ozone Layer Preservation Day and the 10th anniversary of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in Pobé. The dual ceremony took place at the Lycée technique professionnel de Pobé on September 16, 2026. The event was themed "Global Action for a Cooler Planet." According to Valéry Doko Kouandété, director of cabinet to the minister in charge of the environment, the ozone layer is a vital natural shield that protects life on earth by limiting exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation.
The ozone layer has been under threat of destruction in recent years, making its preservation a collective responsibility that transcends borders, generations, and sectors. The adoption of the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment demonstrates the international community's commitment to reducing the use of gases that deplete the ozone layer. The Beninese government has made efforts to train and support institutions to improve technical equipment and promote the qualification of refrigeration and air conditioning technicians.
Ibila Djibril, director general of the Environment and Climate, highlighted several actions taken by the government to preserve the ozone layer. These include promoting the recovery and recycling of refrigerating fluids, strengthening safety measures to reduce fire risks, and controlling trade with customs and the republican police. The government has also provided equipment to training centers and strengthened the legal framework for importing and distributing refrigerating fluids.
The choice of the Lycée technique professionnel de Pobé as the venue for the ceremony was deliberate, as it hosts a major training center for refrigeration and air conditioning. The ceremony featured several activities, including a green march, a communication on sustainable cooling, and the distinction of 20 outstanding students, including 10 girls, from the refrigeration and air conditioning program.
The students praised the initiative and promised to adopt new low-global-warming refrigerants to preserve the ozone layer. The ceremony also included the distribution of equipment to refrigeration technicians in the Plateau department. According to the government, the goal is to make available competent professionals who can ensure a secure transition to environmentally friendly technologies across the country.
The theme of this year's celebration, "Global Action for a Cooler Planet," calls for the gradual adoption of low-climate-impact refrigerants. The government aims to promote the recovery and recycling of refrigerating fluids, strengthen safety measures, and control trade to reduce the risks associated with ozone-depleting substances.
The celebration of the 39th World Ozone Layer Preservation Day and the 10th anniversary of the Kigali Amendment in Pobé demonstrates Benin's commitment to protecting the environment and preserving the ozone layer. The government has taken concrete actions to promote sustainable practices and ensure a secure transition to environmentally friendly technologies.
Key points
- The Benin Republic celebrated the 39th World Ozone Layer Preservation Day and the 10th anniversary of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in Pobé on September 16, 2026.
