In 1997, Barbados sought to
improve public awareness to protect the ozone layer. It commissioned a
printed cartoon series from a local graphic artist. Under the agreement
with the artist, the Government of Barbados holds the ownership and rights
of the cartoon character, Ozzy Ozone. This cartoon character served as a
“mascot” and was very effective in raising awareness in Barbados. The
cartoon series has been printed in the local newspapers on several
occasions. Additionally, promotional items produced for local public
awareness and education campaigns using the Ozzy graphic include posters,
key rings, rulers, erasers, refrigerator magnets, mouse pads, pens,
pencils, stickers, and envelopes. These public awareness items were
distributed at numerous and varied forums, including school lectures and
outdoor activities, Green Expos, career showcases, and public displays. In
2000, Barbados registered the graphic as a trademark, under the Trade Mark
Act Cap 319.
Ozzy was so successful that
UNEP sought to use Ozzy globally in its ozone awareness activities. UNEP
learned of the Ozzy mascot in a report by the National Ozone Unit, which
summarised the 1999 Ozone Day activities. Under an agreement with
Barbados, the OzonAction Programme of UNEP/DTIE uses Ozzy in awareness and
education materials that are produced for global distribution. As an Ozone
mascot, Ozzy has proven to be an effective public awareness tool,
particularly for raising awareness among children. The original and
modified versions of Ozzy Ozone are shown below.
In 2004, UNEP released an
animated awareness video in which Ozzy explains the threats to the ozone
layer and shows children how they can protect themselves from the effects
of ultraviolet radiation caused by ozone depletion. On Ozone Day
(September 16), more than 64 governments broadcast the video on their
national television channels, reaching millions of viewers. The film is
available from UNEP in English, French, and Spanish, and it subsequently
has been translated into 22 national languages by various governments.
Several airlines included the video for in-flight entertainment. The video
uses key messages and concepts identified in the Communication Strategy
for Global Compliance with the Montreal Protocol, which was developed by
UNEP to link public awareness to national obligations under the Protocol.
In 2005, Ozzy was busy
flying around the world spreading the message on ozone layer protection.
Therefore, UNEP further developed an awareness package featuring Ozzy
Ozone, which includes a new cartoon “Ozzy Ozone, Defender of Our Planet,”
three public service announcements for television, two radio spots, and a
website (http://www.ozzyozone.org). An OzonAction Education pack including
teacher’s guide for primary schools will be launched in 2006.
In this video, Ozzy Ozone and
Alberta the Albatross take a voyage of discovery to find out exactly who and
what is attacking the ozone layer and how children can play an important role in
making a difference.
Produced for UNEP DTIE's
OzonAction Programme by TVE International/Steve Walsh Productions. This video
was developed as part of UNEP's Work Programme under the Multilateral Fund for
Implementation of the Montreal Protocol.
The Government of Barbados Ozone
Programme developed the Ozzy Ozone character for use in their national awareness
campaign. This mascot has been used: (i) with awareness materials (ranging from
posters to ‘giveaway’ items such as pens, pencils, rulers, erasers), (ii) as
part of the Ozone Pledge programme where, local companies trading in Ozone
Depleting Substances (ODS), signed on to assist in the phase out of ODS, (iii)
as part of the global UNEP campaign for Ozone Day 2000 (iv) in the UNEP video,
Ozzy Ozone.
