Ozone Coordinator Training Session in Bologna

Madi Sakandé, President of U-3ARC and UNIDO Certified Trainer, delivered a three-day theoretical and practical training session on "Licensing Systems and Data Communication" for Ozone Coordinators from five African countries at the Centro Studi Galileo in Bologna, in collaboration with ATF (Associazione Tecnici Del Freddo) and under the aegis of UNIDO.

With new environmentally friendly but flammable refrigerants, RAC sector must adapt. Compliance with Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment requires adapting to recent developments in the sector. During three days, around ten Ozone Coordinators from five African countries, Congo, Burundi, Madagascar, Niger and Togo, benefited from a theoretical and practical training program at the Centro Studi Galileo in Bologna, Italy.

Taught by UNIDO Expert Madi Sakandé, the session, which followed a specific agenda, allowed participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of refrigerant management, licensing systems, and compliance strategies. The team that supported him during this session emphasized that such meetings foster collaboration and the development of practical skills among participants.

A rich program

The first day focused on « The fundamentals of refrigerants and the authorization framework ». Divided into two morning sessions (Understanding Refrigerants and Their Environmental Impact) and an afternoon session (Preparing for Effective Licensing Systems), this workshop first focused on "Introduction to the Chemical Composition of Refrigerants, Including ODS and HFCs" and "Explanation of the CO₂ Equivalent Concept and Its Importance for Environmental Policies," before concluding with practical exercises on calculating CO2 equivalent in kilograms of refrigerant.

The afternoon session focused on "Overview of HFC References, Reduction Schedules, and National Strategies under the Montreal Protocol," followed by a discussion on "The Legislative and Administrative Systems Required to Establish Licensing Frameworks," before concluding with "Case Studies on the Successful Implementation of Refrigerant Management Systems."

The second day focused on « Licensing and Quota Management Systems ». Divided into two sessions: a morning session (Practical Implementation of Licensing Systems) and an afternoon session (Challenges and Best Practices), this workshop first focused on "A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing an Import Licensing System, Covering Reference Determination, Regulatory Requirements, Process Implementation, and Operational Management," and "The Role and Importance of Quota Systems in Refrigerant Management," before concluding with an exploration of various quota allocation strategies, including National Quotas and Individual Quotas, the First-Come, First-Served Approach, Allocation and Grandfathering Principles for New Entrants, and Quotas in CO2 Equivalents versus Tonnes.

During the afternoon of the second day, which revisited "Challenges and Best Practices," the workshop focused on "Common Challenges in the Design and Implementation of Licensing and Quota Systems," followed by a discussion on "Practical Solutions and Best Practices for Ensuring Compliance," before concluding with interactive group exercises to develop strategies adapted to national contexts.

At the end of the training session, on the third day, the workshop focused on « Data Reporting, Compliance, and Networking ». Divided into two parts, the morning on (Data Reporting under the Montreal Protocol) and the afternoon on (Compliance Support and Collaboration), the workshop was punctuated by respective sessions on “Detailed Instructions on CP and Article 7 Data Reporting Procedures and Requirements”, “Hands-on Training with Reporting Tools and Platforms to Improve Data Accuracy and Timeliness”, “Identifying Gaps in Data Collection and Resolving Communication Issues”, then “Analysis of Areas Requiring Additional Action or Support to Meet Compliance Obligations”, “Sharing of Knowledge and Experiences by the CSG Expert Trainer to Identify Concrete Solutions” and ending with “Facilitated Networking Sessions to Encourage Collaboration among Participants and Establish Regional Support Networks”.

Note that, at the end of this training session, both trainers and participants praised a milestone. They each praised it and hoped that many more would follow. Some expressed satisfaction that the topics covered were timely, as they had been encountered in the field. In their opinion, with the arrival of new refrigerants, it is imperative to adapt and comply. Criticizing the one-off approach, many participants expressed the hope that the same dynamic would continue for other training sessions, along similar lines.