Damascus, June 10 (SANA)Syrian officials and representatives of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) met in Damascus on Wednesday to review the country’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol and discuss ongoing projects aimed at reducing ozone-depleting substances.

The consultative meeting, organized by theMinistry of Local Administration and Environment, brought together government officials and stakeholders involved in implementing environmental policies and international commitments.

Participants reviewed progress related to the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances, including hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and discussed efforts to strengthen Syria’s compliance with the Montreal Protocol, one of the world’s most successful environmental agreements.

Discussions focused on raising awareness within the industrial sector, improving technical standards, expanding training programs for engineers and promoting energy efficiency and thermal insulation practices in line with international standards.

Officials also examined mechanisms to integrate environmental considerations into institutional planning and budgeting, as well as proposals for incentives and regulatory measures aimed at supporting environmental protection.

Youssef Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Local Administration and Environment for Environmental Affairs, said environmental protection and sustainable resource management remain important priorities as Syria advances recovery and reconstruction efforts.

He said implementing the Montreal Protocol contributes to protecting public health, addressing environmental challenges and supporting the modernization of productive and service sectors through scientific and technological development.

Sharaf added that Syria’s commitment to multilateral environmental agreements strengthens its role as a responsible international partner and supports broader efforts to build cooperation that contributes to national development and reconstruction goals.

Khaled Klaly, Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator at UNEP West Asia Office, said achieving the protocol’s objectives requires close cooperation among governments, the private sector, technical experts, academic institutions and international partners.

He described the meeting as a platform for exchanging expertise and discussing practical approaches to improving implementation and coordination among national stakeholders.

Adopted in 1987, the Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect theozone layerby phasing out chemicals that contribute to its depletion. The agreement is widely credited with helping reduce ozone-depleting substances globally and supporting the gradual recovery of the ozone layer.