The Maldives has successfully completely phased out Hydrofluorocarbon (HCFC)--used for refrigeration and extremely harmful gas to the ozone layer - becoming the first among developing countries to achieve this historic environmental milestone,  ten years ahead of the deadline fixed for phasing out.  

The archipelago’s  HCFC Phase-out Management Plan began in 2010 and had set a deadline of 2030 for phasing out.  At the onset of the project, the Maldives recorded the import of 67 tons of HCFC gases. By 2020, the nation was able to completely phase out the import of HCFC gases, reported Sun news. 

Speaking at the project completion ceremony, held last week in Male,  Minister of Environment Aminath Shauna said they would amend the ozone act, aiming to make the Maldives a carbon-neutral country by 2030. She, however, added that it would also depend on necessary financial and technological assistance. 

The HCFC Phase-Out Management Plan was completed by a multilateral fund. 

Over the years, Maldives’ customs officers have also been trained with the necessary skills to monitor and control the import of ozone-depleting substances such as HCFCs, their detection and prevention of illegal trade in these substances. 

(SAM)