The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is observed worldwide every year on 16 September. 2026 also marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, a crucial step towards phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases, and mitigating climate change. Having ratified the Kigali Amendment on 27 March 2019, Armenia continues to fulfil its international obligations through the Ministry of Environment’s “Ozone Layer Protection” programme.
In recent years (2016–2026), fundamental work has been carried out and continues in Armenia across several key areas, including legislation. In the context of the Kigali Amendment, an import licensing system for HFCs, as part of Armenia’s international obligations, entered into force in April 2021. Furthermore, new regulations adopted in December 2024 banned the import of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), HFCs, and mixtures in non-refillable containers into Armenia, effective 1 January 2025. Steps are being taken to modernise the quota system for ODS and HFCs and develop mechanisms for the fair allocation of individual quotas, as well as to introduce a certification system for industry specialists and ensure full compliance with obligations arising from the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Armenia and its associated documents.
Since 2019, in cooperation with UNIDO and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the RA, the “Refrigeration Systems” specialisation has been introduced at Yerevan State Regional College No. 2, as well as at the state regional colleges in Armavir, Ararat, and Noyemberyan (with the latter transitioning to a dual education system starting 1 September 2026). The colleges have been equipped with modern refrigeration and air-conditioning units, as well as equipment sets and professional standards. This is an ongoing process, with additional equipment sets scheduled for delivery to the colleges during the 2026–2027 academic year.
Furthermore, between 2019 and 2021, all four parts of the European standard AST EN 378, covering personnel safety, as well as equipment installation, operation, and repair, were localised and implemented. These standards were subsequently provided to the colleges in cooperation with the national standardisation body. Technical specialists in the field, college faculty, and customs officers of the State Revenue Committee (SRC) undergo regular training.
Gas analysers have been provided to the Customs Service and the University of Economics (within the framework of the “Green Customs” course) to prevent illegal imports and facilitate practical training sessions, respectively. Ongoing cooperation exists with the “Amberd” meteorological station, home to a “Dobson” spectrophotometer that is unique in the region, as part of ozone-related observations and scientific monitoring.
To ensure the equipment’s high precision, it undergoes periodic professional calibration in Germany. The device has currently been sent to Germany for calibration once again, at the initiative of the Ozone Layer Protection Programme. The “Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center” SNCO publishes daily forecasts of the Ultraviolet (UV) Index, warning the public about potential risks.
As part of its international cooperation and public awareness efforts, the Ozone Layer Protection Programme works closely with UN agencies (UNIDO, UNDP, UNEP), the Armenian Association of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Heating Engineers, the Customs Service of the State Revenue Committee, and various educational institutions, including the Armenian State University of Economics, the National Polytechnic University of Armenia, the Armenian National Agrarian University, and the American University of Armenia’s Acopian Center for the Environment, as well as representatives of government agencies and the business sector.
Numerous initiatives have been carried out within the framework of awareness-raising campaigns, including the “EcOzone: Fridge Waste Art” exhibition, summer camps and video contests for schoolchildren, and regional awareness meetings. In collaboration with children’s clothing manufacturers, labels were produced to inform parents about the dangers of UV radiation.
Furthermore, in terms of international recognition, in 2017, Armenia was the only country within the Eastern Europe and Central Asia regional network to receive the “Ozone Layer Protection” award for its creative work with youth. In 2025, Yerevan hosted a meeting of countries from the Eastern Europe and Central Asia regional network to exchange best practices on the implementation of the Montreal Protocol.
International scientific assessments confirm that the implementation of the Montreal Protocol has already yielded significant results and that the ozone layer is on the path to recovery. Armenia remains committed to continuing its contribution to these global efforts for the benefit of human health, the climate, and a safe environment for future generations.