SVG Students Learn About Ozone Protection Through NOU’s Ongoing Educational Outreach

By R. Butcher. Press release updated 3:04 p.m., Wednesday September 17, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Students at six schools across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are learning about ozone protection through the National Ozone Unit’s (NOU) educational outreach in celebration of World Ozone Day, which is observed annually on September 16.

The National Ozone Unit (NOU) is visiting six schools across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines between September 10–23 to educate students about the critical role of the ozone layer in protecting human health, the science behind ozone depletion and recovery, and practical measures families can take to shield themselves from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

This year, World Ozone Day is observed under the theme, “From Science to Global Action – 40 Years of the Vienna Convention,” serving as a reminder that the Montreal Protocol, the landmark treaty to protect the ozone layer, was founded on scientific evidence showing how human-made chemicals were depleting stratospheric ozone.

The educational outreach sessions have already reached students at Fair Hall Government School (September 10) and Calliaqua Anglican School (September 15), and will also reach students at Sugar Mill Academy (September 19), Belmont Government School (September 12), Belair Government School (September 17), and Gomea Methodist School (September 23).

The NOU noted that these school visits form part of their ongoing initiatives to educate the public and implement effective strategies for the protection of the ozone layer.

Other initiatives include developing comprehensive refrigerant waste management systems and strengthening regulatory frameworks with mandatory professional certification for technicians. The NOU stated that these efforts ensure that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) maintains its track record of exceeding international environmental commitments while building technical capacity that benefits the broader Caribbean region and global community.

The NOU further highlighted that the educational outreach reflects their commitment to connecting environmental achievement with youth development. By teaching students both about ozone science and their nation’s environmental leadership, the sessions aim to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards who understand how scientific knowledge guides effective action.

The National Ozone Unit expressed gratitude to school administrators, teachers, and students participating in these educational sessions, noting that together they are fostering environmental awareness that will benefit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for generations to come.