Statement by Mr. Andrew Cox, UN Resident Coordinator in the Maldives

Inauguration Session of the High Level Round Table Dialogue on HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) and Its Contribution to Carbon Neutrality in Maldives

10 June 2010, Bandos Island Resort and Spa, Maldives

Your Excellency President Nasheed,

Your Excellency, Vice President Waheed,

Honorable Ministers, respected delegates and colleagues.

Salaam Alaikum.

It is very good to be here today, to witness and support such a tangible step forward on the climate change agenda.

The Montreal Protocol is one of the very few international agreements that has been universally ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations. As you know, the Montreal Protocol aims to eliminate ozone depleting substances, which are also potent greenhouse gases. This international agreement is also one that has actually delivered on its promise. It has already successfully eliminated over 80% of the substances that damage the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol is therefore a perfect example of how international goodwill, joint cooperation and collaborative action can bring about outstanding results that will benefit us and future generations.

Mr. President,

During the Climate Vulnerable Forum, held in this very conference hall November last year, you said, and I quote, “To my mind, countries that have the foresight to green their economies today, will be the winners of tomorrow.” It was with this foresight that Maldives decided to accelerate meeting the commitment made to the Montreal Protocol, thus taking such a significant step towards greening the economy of Maldives.

Maldives should therefore be commended for choosing to accelerate its phase-out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), ten years ahead of is Montreal Protocol obligations: by 2020 instead of 2030. No other country in the world has yet taken on such an ambitious challenge.  Moreover, it is a very good example of using an international commitment to set new national targets. By committing to an accelerated phase-out of HCFCs, Maldives is showing a path to the rest of the world that protecting the ozone layer as well as protecting the climate system can complement and even accelerate economic development. In doing so, Maldives is taking a leap into waters that are uncharted in many ways. Benign alternative technologies for HCFCs are still nascent, with limited resources of its own and with limited international support. The Minister of Environment referred to the fact that many have said this will be too difficult, but that this is no reason not to proceed. I agree with him. It is hard to do, but we must try. Even if we don’t meet all our objectives, we will take it as far as we can.

I should also note that progress in this area will help towards achieving MDG 7: “Making Progress on Environmental Sustainability”. 

In phasing out HCFCs, Maldives will need support in accessing alternative technologies, and mobilizing know-how from around the world. Some of the technologies that can support the phase out were extremely expensive in the past, but now are more within reach. Some technologies are still at the stages of development and testing.

In return, Maldives will be able to export ideas and technical know-how. In parallel, we will need to address the market factors that will influence the phase out. The availability and affordability of alternatives to HCFCs will be critical to meeting the 2020 target. An appropriate regulatory environment has to be set up to accelerate the movement towards HCFC alternatives. I hope this can gain bipartisan support here in the Maldives, as this is a matter of interest to all Maldivians. And a great deal will need to be done to raise awareness.

We, the representatives of the international community, therefore should pledge to support Maldives in its ambitious and inspiring quest to green its economy and be an example to the world. The UN for its part is very happy to be working with the Government of Maldives on implementing the phase out plan. UNEP and UNDP are working together to support the government on getting the HPMP implemented.

UNEP will give the technical support to the Ministry of Housing Transport and Environment in implementing the phase out plan.  UNDP will assist the government on investing in and using the equipment and infrastructure required to meet the HPMP goals.  Our combined support will add up to $1.1 million over five years.

Let us be clear – this will not be easy.  It will require a mobilization of society, the private sector and the government to make this work.  It is certainly simpler and cheaper to stay as we are, at least in the short run.  But the benefits in the longer run are convincing reasons to change.

In the discussions today, I hope the very real challenges and difficulties can be discussed openly, and an effective and integrated implementation plan for the HPMP can be developed that will address these issues.

In conclusion, let me, on behalf of all UN organizations in Maldives, offer you our full support and cooperation in implementing the HPMP.

Thank you.

-ends-

For any inquiries, you may contact:

Anna Senga ([email protected]); 3343263 or Aminath Ibrahim ([email protected]); 3343285