The National Customs Service and the Ozone Office of the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica, received an international award for their joint work in the prevention of illegal traffic of substances that depletes the ozone layer; the announcement was made this week in view of the celebration of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, September 16, date in which the Montreal Protocol was signed.

“The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is the landmark multilateral environmental agreement that regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100 man-made chemicals referred to as ozone depleting substances (ODS). When released to the atmosphere, those chemicals damage the stratospheric ozone layer, Earth’s protective shield that protects humans and the environment from harmful levels of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Adopted on 15 September 1987, the Protocol is to date the only UN treaty ever that has been ratified every country on Earth – all 197 UN Member States”, explains the UNenvironment.org website.

The award was received in recognition of customs agents that apply the law and battle illegal trade of sensitive environmental products:
“Ms. Cindy Sofia Sterling Howard from Limon Customs Office and Mr. Luis Gerardo Barrantes Suarez from Fiscal Control Police of Costa Rica, who together seized 412 cylinders of HCFC-22 in 2014. Due to effective post-control measures, the Costa Rica National Customs Service managed to identify past illegal traffic and confiscate the remaining goods”.

In the presentation of the medals and certificates to the 11 Latin American awardees, the Regional Director and Regional Representative, Mr. Leo Heileman said, “The United Nations Environment congratulates the award winners for their excellent work to protect the environment and respect the national obligations under the Montreal Protocol, but also encourages all Latin American countries to establish strong and enforceable laws against environmental crime.

Other five Latin American Government officials received Customs and Enforcement Officers Global Awards.