Last month, Rwanda joined the rest of the world to mark the international day for the preservation of the Ozone layer; with a walk to raise awareness on the need to phase-out ozone depleting substances.

The ozone layer is a fragile shield of gas, which protects the earth from the harmful portion of the sun rays, thus helping preserve life on the planet. Ozone layer destruction increases human exposure to ultraviolet radiation which can lead to skin cancer, eye cataract, weakening body immunity, reduction of marine ecosystems and climate change due to global warming, among others.

Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) this time put emphasis on the phasing out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs &HCFCs) use. Ozone layer depleting substances are commonly used in air conditioners, cold rooms, refrigerators, mattress fabrication, among others.REMA is currently partnering with various players in the sector, including importers of refrigeration equipment, refrigeration technicians, university students in air conditioning & refrigeration, among others, to not only fight the use of these substances (CFCs &HCFCs), but also encourage the use of more environmentally friendly alternatives.

The environment management body says that the country is in full compliance with the requirements of the Montreal Protocol to phase out the use of substances that are responsible for ozone depletion. The country expects to achieve 30% of the 10% target phase down of the damaging gases by January 1, 2015. A total phase-out is expected by 2020.

In recent years, REMA has put in place measures to limit the use of items that run on ozone depleting substances, and this has included, issuing a ban on the importation of R22 (a type of ozone damaging substance) dependent equipment, and has also staff at the main entry ports of Rwanda to deter importation of all R22 related equipment. R600A, R290A, R134A ,R410, among other gases, are some alternative refrigerants on the market.

Scientific research reveals that R22 gases used in refrigerants and air-conditioners contain ozone-destroying chlorine and have high potential of increasing global warming.

Equipment that use R22, also consumes more electrical energy hence it is not resource-efficient and adds to global warming.

Government has also come with other measures to curb ozone layer destruction, and one of them is encouraging tree planting. For instance late last year the process of planting 32 million trees was launched, the plan is to have 30% of the country’s land surface covered by forests by 2018.

However, away from government effort, a lot needs to be done on individual basis as far as protecting the ozone layer is concerned. People have to limit the use of individual cars as much as they can. You could walk or take the public bus, so as to minimise the amount of emissions (exhaust pipes produce carbon monoxide) which are harmful to the ozone layer. Citizens should also desist from the use of energy consuming bulbs and gadgets.

If the country will also ever achieve its target of covering 30% of its land surface with forests, then every home (with enough land) should make it priority to plant at least plant two trees.

Citizens should also make it personal responsibility to purchase products that are labeled "ozone friendly” or "CFC free”. If not examine product labels to ensure that they do not contain ozone depleting substances such as CFCs, HCFCs or halon.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), advises that for those already with electronics that are not ozone friendly, always ensure that they are in a good condition. Any fault or leak increases release of such chemicals into the atmosphere. And in case they are out of use, it’s always crucial to find a safe place to dispose them.

Spread the word, inform friends, relatives and neighbours about the need to protect the ozone layer and help them get involved if possible.