The ozone layer is a protective film around the Earth. It absorbs the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation and protects all living things from its harmful effects. But, did you ever wonder who looks after the ozone layer? Well, countries, organizations and administrations like the Ozone Secretariat all help to protect the ozone layer.

The Ozone Secretariat is based in Nairobi, Kenya, housed within the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It is the administrative office for two very important ozone protection treaties/agreements, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Both play a major role in protecting the ozone layer and reduce the size of its hole.

The Ozone Secretariat organises conferences and meetings for the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol, manages the implementation of decisions resulting from these conventions and meetings, provides stakeholders with data and information on the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).The Secretariat also provides governments, organizations and individuals with information on the work of the Montreal Protocol and how they can protect the ozone layer and the environment as well.