The Cook Islands will receive USD $188,750 to roll out four major projects aimed at protecting the ozone layer and reducing harmful emissions from cooling systems.

This is part of a regional effort under the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment, with support from the UN Environment Programme and the Australian Government.

• The Projects include:
• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) Phase-Out Management Plan Stage 2 (HPMP Stage 2): Focusing on stronger regulations, training, and promoting climate-friendly alternatives in commercial cooling.
• Kigali Implementation Plan Stage I (KIP S1): Taking critical steps to reduce HFC use through better licensing, data, and awareness for importers and technicians.
• Energy Efficiency: Promoting energy-saving practices in cooling through workshops, standards, and public awareness.
• National Inventory of Banks of ODS and HFCs: Developing a national inventory to identify and quantify banks of ozone-depleting substances and HFCs stored in unused equipment or containers.

Fourteen Pacific Island Countries, including the Cook Islands, gathered in Nuku’alofa, Tonga to discuss the rollout of four new projects to be implemented at the national level.

The Cook Islands was represented by the National Environment Service (NES), with Mii Herman and Ngatupuna Kae participating in two important regional meetings: the Network Meeting of Pacific Island Countries’ National Ozone Officers from May 5–7, followed by the Technical Workshop on Strengthening Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Licensing and Quota Systems from May 8–9.

These projects are designed to support countries in fulfilling their obligations under the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, both of which aim to protect the ozone layer and reduce the emission of climate-harming gases—particularly Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), commonly used in refrigeration and air-conditioning appliances.

This marks the first time that Pacific Island Countries are running four projects in parallel.

The integrated approach is intentional, designed to avoid duplication of effort, ease the workload of limited technical staff, and reduce the risk of double-utilization of funds and unnecessary administrative burdens. By aligning activities and resources, the region aims to strengthen impact and ensure efficient implementation across the board. The region will be supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as the implementing agency and the Australian Government. The projects will run between 2025-2030. NES