Brunei will mark Montreal Protocol with Ozone Run

THE Department of Environment, Park and Recreation (JASTRE) in collaboration with relevant agencies will organise a running event called 'The Ozone Run'on September 16, 2012 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol and the World Ozone Day.

All member parties of the protocol, including Brunei, have successfully achieved their goals in phasing out the consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).

Speaking during a briefing at the Ministry of Development building yesterday, National Ozone Officer Wan Firdaus Hj Hamidon said that the Ozone Run aims to promote awareness about the importance of reducing the use of ODS and "trigger a sense of responsibility among the public with regards to their consumption of ODS, so that they can learn and change their perception".

Wan Firdaus said that the participation for the Ozone Run is open to all age groups within the country and so, differs from such event in the previous years, where JASTRE tended to organise small events for certain age groups, such as the colouring and essay writing competitions.

According to him, the Ozone Run also aims to encourage the public to engage in healthy outdoor activities "on an impending basis" and comprises three categories: the three-kilometre family fun run with registration fee of $10; the six-kilometre moderate run with registration fee of $15 and the 12-kilometre extreme run with registration fee of $30.

"The Ozone Run will take place in the vicinity of the Ministry of Development," he said. "We expect a maximum turn out of 2,000 participants for this event."

In addition to this, "every dollar received from registering for the event will be donated to a charity fund," he said.

Those who are interested to take part can either download the application form via www.env.gov.bn or get it at JASTRE, the Ministry of Development building and return it to the office.

Wan Firdaus also said that JASTRE will also open up a three-day registration booth at The Mall, Gadong sometime next week.

For more information, contact 2383222 ext 514 or 502. Registration ends on August 24, 2012.

Brunei has been a member of the Montreal Protocol since 1993. The protocol, which was established on September 16, 1987, demonstrates that difficult environmental issues can be tackled and resolved successfully through the collective action of the global community.

The Brunei Times