On 14–16 October 2026, the National Environment Service (NES) attended the Joint Network Meeting of the South Asia, Southeast Asia and Pacific Island Countries National Ozone Officers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The meeting brought together National Ozone Officers and regional partners to discuss developments under the Montreal Protocol, share country experiences and strengthen cooperation in protecting the ozone layer while addressing the environmental impacts of refrigerants.
Key discussions focused on alternative refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) technologies, licensing and quota systems, monitoring and reporting of controlled substances, and the implementation of the Kigali Amendment to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
For the Cook Islands, an important focus was the Pacific Island Countries Network breakout session, which discussed updates on amendments to legislation and regulations to support the complete phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and strengthen the phase-down of HFCs. The session also covered the utilisation of 2026 HFC quotas, allocation of 2027 quotas and preparation of HFC verification reports.
These discussions are important for the Cook Islands as NES continues to strengthen its systems for monitoring refrigerant imports, managing controlled substances and meeting reporting obligations under the Montreal Protocol. Effective licensing, quota management and accurate data collection help ensure that the country remains on track with its international commitments.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange experiences with other countries on refrigeration and air-conditioning training, technician certification and the safe management of refrigerants. These areas are particularly relevant to the Cook Islands as demand for cooling continues to grow across homes, businesses and the tourism sector.
Another highlight was a site visit to a modern green office building in Ho Chi Minh City. The facility demonstrated how energy-efficient cooling technologies, sustainable building design and practical training can work together to improve energy performance and indoor environmental quality.
Further discussions explored energy efficiency initiatives, the collection and recovery of used refrigerants, and approaches to managing refrigerants throughout their lifecycle. These initiatives highlight the importance of not only reducing refrigerant emissions but also improving the energy efficiency of RAC equipment and ensuring refrigerants are properly recovered and managed at the end of their use.
The meeting provided NES with an opportunity to learn from regional experiences, strengthen connections with Pacific partners and gain insights to support the ongoing implementation of the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment in the Cook Islands.
