With “The Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer” that is signed in 1987 and came into force in 1989 that Turkey is a part of, restrictions were introduced to the production and consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) depending upon time and alternative substance and technologies.
In the scope of this agreement, “Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund” was to provide technical and financial support required for changeover to alternative substances and technologies. In 1992, country programme to stop the consumption of ODS in Turkey was prepared by World bank and works were started for finding the required fund.
TTGV worked for the execution of transformation projects countrywide for the usage of fund allocated for Turkey toward the objectives of the Protocol with the coordination with Ministry of Environment and Forestry that is the national focal point of the Montreal Protocol. Within the scope of project, totally 25 Million US Dollar grant was provided for usage.
In the first stage of ODS Removal Project; raising the awareness of ODS using small and medium enterprises, preparation of demonstration projects, helping them for changing technologies and preparing other national projects are aimed. Studies conducted in the scope of this project with main lines are;
- In 1995 survey was conducted for 1500 institutions to describe the sector.
- In June 1996, training seminar were organized for related 5 sectors in İstanbul, Ankara, İzmir.
- In 1997 and 1998 training seminars were continued to be organized.
- Demonstration projects were actualized for solvent, scum and cooling sectors.
- Project preparations were started by researches for cooling and foam sectors
- Project preparations were started for the establishment of Halon Bank.
- National Strategy and Action Plan for Methyl Bromide was prepared.
In the scope of project establishment of Ozone Panel and ODS monitoring systems, awareness raising and forming a legislative framework studies were conducted by Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Within this context, ministry personnel’s knowledge about ODS and reduction of ODS’s was increased, especially forbiddance of import of ODS and formation of National Ozone Policy were discussed. Monitoring system for ODS import was established between Undersecretariat of Foreign Trade and Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
With the activities realized in the second stage of ODS Removal Project, ODS usage was zero except necessary areas. Within the scope of project, nearly 180 institutions/Projects were supported. While supporting shift to material, technology, equipment and production processes that does not deplete ozone, for promoting this phase development of institutional capacity and formation of necessary legal arrangements were provided. With active cooperation between Ministry of Environment and Forestry, TTGV and World Bank both a contribution to the competitiveness of producers (and Turkey) was made and primary ODS materials that are environmentally hazardous were set to zero.
In the project closure report prepared by World Bank, both project and as an implementer institution TTGV was graded as highly successful”. On the other hand, United National Award was given to Turkey as being one of the most successful nine countries among 49 counties.
