Montreal Protocol-IS XII

B0550 - Georgia - Tbilisi

REPORTING PERIOD   2024

 

Narrative






















REPORT DATE: 22-06-2026

 

 

1.    Executive Summary

XII phase of Institutional strengthening for implementation of the Montreal Protocol (XI phase of IS project) is a 11th phase of enabling activities for Georgia with an overall objective to strengthen Georgia’s capacity in implementing obligations of the Montreal Protocol.

XII phase of IS project will assist Georgia in: i) updating existing legislation on ODS import quota to cover all substances covered by the Montreal Protocol and its amendments ii) improving Electronic Refrigerant Management System (ERMS) to include refrigerants recovery, recycling, and reclamation operations; iii) quality and timely reporting on ODS consumption and phase-out levels; iv) organizing consultations with private sector representatives, including owners of HVAC/R installations, importers, service companies, RAC technicians etc. around new regulations on mandatory leak checks and ERMS; v) organizing information dissemination campaign (including gender dimensions) on the introduction of ERMS and mandatory leak detection through production of promotional and publicity audio-visual and printed materials; vi) building knowledge and capacities of HVAC/R installations, importers, service companies, RAC technicians, and sellers of refrigerants in application of ERMS and environmental inspectors in enforcement of mandatory leak checks and; vii) further strengthening NOU’s internal managerial and external multi-stakeholder coordination and networking capacities, through upgrading NOU’s infrastructure and supporting GoG’s active participation in regional networks, open-ended working group and meetings of parties.

2.    Background

On 21 March 1996, Georgia became a party to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, followed by the ratification of London, Copenhagen, Montreal, Beijing and Kigali amendments to the Protocol by the country.

Since 2006 the United Nations Environmental Programme for Georgia (UNDP Georgia) has been pro-actively assisting the Government of Georgia (GoG) in fulfilling ODS phase-out obligations. More specifically, jointly with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (MEPA), it has been carrying out the Institutional Strengthening (IS) programme for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. The IS supports the GoG in meeting its obligations under the Montreal Protocol of the Vienna Convection, through implementing a number of horizontal and specific measures, including legal-regulatory and policy, institutional strengthening (IS)/capacity building (CB), public awareness, coordination, networking and regional and global cooperation.

11 phases of IS Programme have been already accomplished and the 12th phase will be completed by the end of December 2026. 

3.    Key Results Achieved

 

Progress Note:

In 2024, UNDP’s implementation of IS XII projects focused on phasing out HCFCs under the Montreal Protocol, with a complex context shaped by regulatory updates, technological transitions, and capacity gaps. The government supported compliance with its obligations under the Montreal Protocol by implementing new mandatory requirements that entered into force step by step, beginning in January 2024, following the ratification of the Kigali Amendment. Capacity-building was prioritized, with extensive training for inspectors, customs officers, and RAC technicians, alongside targeted gender inclusivity efforts.

 

4.    Key Challenges Encountered

 

Progress Note:

Key challenges encountered during the reporting period included limited willingness and capacity among government counterparts to advance legal amendments regulating all Montreal Protocol substances, as well as insufficient cross-agency coordination on cross-cutting issues. In addition, limited interest and capacity among businesses to actively engage in project activities remained a challenge. To address these issues, the project continued close consultations with the National Ozone Office, MEPA’s legal department, relevant government agencies, GARCAE and business representatives, while also using Project Board discussions and planned roundtables to strengthen coordination and stakeholder engagement.

 

5.    Project Risks and Issues

1. GoG’s low willingness to develop legal amendments to regulate all MP substances 2. Cross-agency cooperation on cross-cutting issues is low 3. Business’s poor interest and capacity to participate in project activities

 

6.    Lessons Learned

Lessons learned show that early and continuous consultations with the National Ozone Office, MEPA’s legal department and other relevant government entities are essential for supporting the development and advancement of draft regulations. Strong leadership by the National Ozone Office through the Project Board is important to improve cross-agency cooperation and address cross-cutting issues in a coordinated manner.

7.    Conclusions and Way Forward

Project is on track. Project risks are monitored and mitigation measures are in place.