Egypt’s Ministry of Awqaf emphasized, on the occasion of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on September 16, that protecting the environment and preserving Earth’s resources are shared human and social responsibilities.
The ministry noted that Islamic teachings emphasize building and caring for the Earth, avoiding corruption and waste, and preserving natural resources for present and future generations.
This year’s observance is being held under the theme “Global Action for a Cooler Planet,” coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
Islam Calls for Environmental Protection
The Ministry of Awqaf explained that the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was established by a United Nations General Assembly resolution in 1994 to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer in 1987.
The ministry emphasized that Islam establishes principles highlighting humanity’s responsibility to care for the Earth.
It cited the Quranic verse: ﴿وَلَا تُفْسِدُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ بَعْدَ إِصْلَاحِهَا﴾ [Al-A'raf: 56], meaning that people should not cause corruption on Earth after it has been set right.
It also cited: ﴿هُوَ أَنشَأَكُم مِّنَ الْأَرْضِ وَاسْتَعْمَرَكُمْ فِيهَا﴾ [Hud: 61], along with the Prophetic saying: “Removing harm from the road is charity.”
According to the ministry, these principles contribute to an ethical awareness that makes environmental protection, responsible resource use and conservation responsibilities toward society and future generations.
The Importance of the Ozone Layer
The ministry noted that the ozone layer acts as a natural shield that protects Earth from harmful portions of ultraviolet radiation.
This protection contributes to safeguarding human health, animals and plants while supporting environmental balance.
Protecting the ozone layer therefore remains connected to international efforts to reduce substances that damage it and to promote safer and more sustainable alternatives.
Montreal Protocol as a Model for International Action
The Ministry of Awqaf described the Montreal Protocol as an example of how the international community can transform scientific knowledge into practical policies and commitments.
The agreement has contributed to reducing substances that deplete the ozone layer and encouraging the transition toward safer alternatives.
The Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016, strengthened this approach by establishing a gradual reduction in hydrofluorocarbons, powerful greenhouse gases, while supporting the transition toward more efficient and sustainable cooling technologies.
These efforts connect ozone-layer protection with climate-change mitigation and improved energy efficiency.
Climate Justice and Resource Protection
The ministry also linked environmental protection to the principles of climate justice, which place fairness, human rights and the needs of communities and countries most affected by climate change within climate action efforts.
Preserving natural resources, it noted, is not only a responsibility toward people living today but also toward future generations.
Egypt’s Efforts to Protect the Ozone Layer
The Ministry of Awqaf stated that Egypt continues to participate in international efforts to protect the ozone layer and address climate change.
Egypt ratified the Kigali Amendment on August 22, 2023, and it entered into force for the country in November of the same year.
The country also continues to implement its national ozone-layer protection program across sectors including refrigeration, air conditioning, refrigerators, foams and solvents, alongside regulatory measures covering substances governed by the Montreal Protocol and its amendments.
In 2026, a joint ministerial decision numbered 232 of 2026 was issued to regulate the import and export of substances and mixtures covered by the Montreal Protocol and its amendments, strengthening regulatory oversight.
Authorities are also working to expand the use of QR codes on refrigerant gas cylinders. The system is intended to help track cylinders, verify their data and sources, limit the circulation of non-compliant products and strengthen market oversight.
Awqaf Ministry’s Role in Environmental Awareness
The ministry highlighted Egypt’s hosting of COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2022 and the conference’s focus on climate issues, climate finance, adaptation and the transition toward sustainable development.
It emphasized that environmental protection is not limited to technical measures and international agreements. It is also connected to building awareness and responsible behavior.
Environmental awareness begins with understanding how individual behavior affects resources, health and society. This awareness can then be translated into daily practices based on responsible consumption, avoiding waste, respecting natural resources and following rules designed to protect life and preserve the rights of future generations.
Linking Environmental Protection to Building Awareness
The Ministry of Awqaf said its role in environmental awareness includes Friday sermons, religious lessons, seminars, outreach programs, educational initiatives and digital and media content.
These activities seek to reinforce religious, national and ethical values related to responsible interaction with the environment, avoiding corruption on Earth, reducing waste, conserving resources and fulfilling responsibilities toward society and future generations.
The ministry also referred to its “Correct Your Concepts” initiative and other efforts aimed at building civic character, addressing extremism and promoting values and ethics.
Environmental Protection as a Shared Responsibility
The Ministry of Awqaf emphasized that protecting the ozone layer demonstrates how safeguarding life and Earth’s resources begins with scientific knowledge, becomes stronger through awareness and is translated into results through commitment and collective action.
It stressed that combining science with ethics, awareness with responsibility, and responsible stewardship of the Earth with human development can make environmental protection part of a broader effort toward sustainable development and a safer future.
When is the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer observed?
It is observed every year on September 16.
What does Islam say about environmental protection?
The Ministry of Awqaf emphasizes that Islamic teachings call for caring for the Earth, avoiding corruption and preserving resources.
Why is the ozone layer important?
It protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation and contributes to protecting people, animals and plants.
What is the Kigali Amendment?
Adopted in 2016, it establishes a gradual reduction in hydrofluorocarbons and supports more sustainable cooling technologies.
When did Egypt ratify the Kigali Amendment?
Egypt ratified the amendment on August 22, 2023, and it entered into force for Egypt in November of that year.
