Regional Workshop on Control and Monitoring of ODS Consumption for West Asia

This workshop report presents an account of a regional event held in Damascus, Syria, aimed at assisting West Asian countries in establishing and improving systems for controlling and monitoring ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The three-day workshop gathered 29 participants from 12 countries and offered expert-led sessions, working groups, and hands-on exercises focused on developing legal frameworks, import/export licensing systems, and institutional arrangements for ODS monitoring. Countries with and without existing systems engaged in collaborative learning, resulting in tailored national action plans. The workshop underscored the importance of harmonized customs codes, regional cooperation, and capacity-building among customs and environmental officers. The final report includes detailed recommendations, evaluation feedback, and proposed follow-up actions to support national compliance with Montreal Protocol obligations and to curb illegal ODS trade across the region.