Some Important Bodies to Note:
MOP -The Meeting of the Parties is the highest decision-making body of the Montreal Protocol, composed of all Parties to the Protocol. The MOP meets every year, typically around November. Parties are encouraged to send high-level delegates to MOP.
OEWG -Open-ended Working Group is open to all Parties as a preparatory meeting for the MOP. The OEWG meets every year, typically in June/July. Party representatives discuss topics for the MOP agenda, consider reports by TEAP and other panels, and prepare draft decisions for MOP.
COP -Conference of the Parties is the highest decision-making body of the Parties to the Vienna Convention. It takes place every three years, at the same time as the MOP. COP typically takes decisions relating to the international coordination of scientific research on ozone depletion
ImpCom - Implementation Committee reviews the status of all Parties’ compliance with the provisions of the Protocol (e.g. data reporting, ODS consumption levels, licensing systems, trade with non-Parties).
ExCom - Executive Committee oversees the Multilateral Fund (MLF) and develops operational policies and project guidelines. It usually meets three times a year to review/approve policies, plans, budgets, project proposals and other aspects. ExCom comprises seven A5 Parties (Developing Countries) and seven non-A5 Parties (Developed Countries) appointed by a MOP Decision each year.
Bureau of MOP guides the OEWG and MOP meetings and the Ozone Secretariat’s preparations. The Bureau comprises five Parties appointed by MOP. The position of President is rotated annually among five regional groups (Africa, Asia & Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America & Caribbean, Western Europe & other states).
Bureau of the COP -The Bureau is composed of the President, three Vice-Presidents and a Rapporteur elected by each COP. It holds a maximum of two meetings between two meetings of the COP. The Bureau’s core function is to facilitate, on behalf of the parties, the review of scientific information on the ozone layer, on its possible modification and on possible effects of any such modifications.
OzoneAction - This initiative enables those countries to meet and sustain their compliance obligations under the Montreal Protocol. It has been strengthening the capacity of governments - particularly the operational focal points for the Montreal Protocol, known as National Ozone Units and industry in developing countries to elaborate and enforce the policies required to implement the Protocol and to make informed decisions about alternative technologies.More Infor
MF - Multilateral Fund is the body whose functions is preparation of documents/budgets and draft plans for the Executive Committee, reviewing project proposals, overseeing expenditure, monitoring projects and liaising with other bodies.
MFS or MLFS - Multilateral Fund Secretariat supports the work of ExCom, and is based in Montreal, Canada. Its functions include: preparing documents, budgets and draft plans for ExCom, reviewing project proposals, overseeing expenditure, monitoring projects, and liaising with other bodies. The MLF website provides information on all aspects of the MLF and ExCom.www.multilateralfund.org
Executive Committee - It the body oversees the Multilateral Fund and develops operational policies and projects guidelines.
Assessment Panels - Established under Article 6, compile technical and scientific reports and present information to MOP/OEWG. They provide an important source of technical information for the Parties. The Panel co-chairs are appointed by MOP Decisions. Hundreds of specialists from around the world, including experts from Article 5 countries, contribute information to the Panels’ reports
There are three Panels:
- Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) - compiles reports on technical issues associated with ODS and alternatives. TEAP produces an annual Progress Report (typically published in May) covering the status of ODS alternatives, evaluations of any exemption requests, and specific topics requested by MOP Decisions. TEAP also prepares a major assessment report every four years.
- Scientific Assessment Panel (SAP) - assesses information on the status of ozone depletion, the abundance of ODS in the atmosphere, and options for improving the state of the ozone layer through reductions in the production and consumption of ODS.
- Environmental Effects Panel (EEAP) - assesses information on the impacts of ozone depletion on human health and the environment
Subsidiary Bodies - Temporary Subsidiary Technical Bodies (TSBs) can be appointed by the TEAP/TOCs to report on specific issues of limited duration.
Technical Options Committees (TOCs) - carry out much of TEAP’s work. At present there are six TOCs: Chemicals (CTOC), Foams (FTOC), Halons (HTOC), Medical (MTOC), Methyl Bromide (MBTOC), and Refrigeration and air-conditioning (RTOC).
The country programme is designed to implement project activities for phasing down Ozone Depleting Substances.
