The National Environment Agency (NEA) is conducting a series of training on the detection and management of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) for Customs and Excise, Police, Immigration, NIA and other stakeholders in the country.

This training on ODS related issues is in line with The Gambia government’s commitments to phase out the importation and consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances, by January 2010, as enshrined in the Montreal Protocol of 1987, of which The Gambia is a party.

This nationwide training is very important as it avails the trainees with the necessary required knowledge and skills on ODS detection, use of identifiers and safety procedures in handling these chemicals.

Delivering the opening statement at a two-day training workshop in Basse, from 6th to 7th August 2007, the Deputy Governor of Upper River Region, Momodou S Kah, challenged the participants to take the responsibility in protecting the earth from substances and activities that deplete the ozone layer. Deputy Governor Kah further disclosed that the government of The Gambia has shown its firm commitment to the phase out consumption of ozone depleting substances as ratified in the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol in May and June 1990, respectively.

Momodou Penda Gaye, Customs Chief Protection Officer in Basse, applauded the efforts of the National Environment Agency (NEA) and further called on his colleagues in the security to lead the fight against smuggling and illegal entry of these chemicals into country.  Over 25 participants who were drawn from different security components attended the training.

Dawda Badjie and Alhagie Sarr, OCD’s Programme Officer at the NEA, co-ordinated the training with Abdou Jeng of Customs.