By Isatou Jawara
The Minister of Environment and Natural Resources has reiterated the need to build the capacity of National Assembly Members (NAMs) and technology transfer so that whatever chemicals come into country will be detected for a more Ozone-friendly country and a global warming environment.
Hon Lamin Dibba made the remarks recently at a local hotel in Bijilo during a one-day seminar to discuss the importance of ratification of the Kigali amendments and dangers associated with the depletion of the ozone layers.
“I have presented the Kigali amendments to Cabinet for ratification by endorsing the amendments. We at the National Environment Agency (NEA) organized the one-day seminar for the NAMs on the select committee on environment and health on the Kigali amendments to the Montreal Protocol,” Minister Dibba said while noting that the purpose of the training is for NAMs to understand.
According to the minister, when the Kigali amendments are ratified, there will be so many benefits that can be shared with other countries. He said it is important for the environment select committee when it comes to health and subject matters for advice when health matters arise.
The minister advised NAMs to factor local knowledge into practice noting that it is government’s obligation that the environment is protected. He added: “We will soon make amendments on the Forest Bill concerning timber dealers with heavy fines.”
Also Speaking at the event, NEA Deputy Director Dawda Badjie said it is important to note that the Kigali Amendment has already been ratified by 89 (eighty-nine) parties. He said it is for us to harness the benefits of climate change projects starting in 2020.
“We need to put more efforts in making sure that we ratify the agreement in 2019 as lawmakers and major stakeholders in the fight against Ozone Depleting Substances and substances that contribute to the warming of the earth hence the need to collaborate with you in our ratification process,” Mr Badjie told NAMs.
He concluded by urging the select committee on environment to solicit support during the ratification process and when the document is put before the deputies on Ozone and other environmental issues.
He thanked the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for funding the process.
The chairman of the select committee on environment and health, Honourable Sainey Touray said the protection of the environment should be viewed as everyone’s business since both the polluters and non-polluters are affected.
“It is of great importance to protect and preserve the environment and ozone layer for upcoming generations,” Honourable Touray asserted adding that it is timely as environmental issues are currently on top of the global agenda.
