Cop17 Durban 2011 - Pre-planning and Discussion [Archive]

dysan1

November 20th, 2010, 07:52 PM

Planning needed to avoid climate change COP-out in Durban
RICHARD CALLAND - Nov 19 2010 15:56

Perhaps it is Fifa World Cup syndrome -- a combination of complacency and a blasé attitude -- or just South Africans' tendency to wake up late to big things, but at the moment there is absolutely no apparent recognition of the importance, scale and intensity of the event that South Africa will be hosting in a year's time.

The Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) -- or its shorthand "COP17" -- which will be held in Durban in late November 2011.

Durban the city of choice

The choice of Durban was confirmed by Cabinet with a quiet announcement last week, against fierce competition from Cape Town and Jo'burg.

It would be interesting to know the reason, because there is a whiff of pork-barrel politics about the decision to go with the KwaZulu-Natal city, in spite of the excellence of its International Convention Centre. It is a big deal.

And, like the Fifa World Cup, a fine opportunity. And one that could just as easily be messed up. Just ask the Danes.

"Copenhagen" means something now even to a person with no interest in climate change politics or deal-making. For a year, as the stakes and expectations rose, Copenhagen was constantly in the news in the run-up to COP15 in December 2009.

Those expectations were largely dashed.

No new treaty could be agreed. Instead, a political accord was hastily put together amid great acrimony in the final hours of the conference, as the largest number of world leaders arrived in the small but convivial Danish capital.

Arguably, the presence of those presidents and prime ministers "saved" the occasion, because without the imperative to spare their political blushes, there might not have been any sort of agreement.

CONTINUES BELOW

This is one of myriad small and great choices that will have to be made by the UNFCCC secretariat and Pretoria in the next year: what sort of COP do they want it to be? They will also have to decide how to handle the non-governmental part of the conference.

COP17 the biggy
Again, speak to the Danish. They were "too nice" and gave accreditation to more people than the conference venue could hold (by a factor of four), which led to massive frustration as thousands queued for hours in the freezing cold.

At least Durban in December will be more climatically congenial. But between then and now, in December this year, Cancun, Mexico, will be the host of COP16, for which the expectations are as remarkably low as they were implausibly high a year ago.

Most people who are in, or close to, the climate politics game say that "COP17 will be the big one". Cancun, instead, is intended to offer a road map, an attempt to iron out more of the details that stand in the way of a comprehensive treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.

World leaders will not be dusting off their cozzies to visit the Mexican seaside resort. But what about Durban? Should expectations be ramped up or carefully managed? And what lessons can we apply from both Copenhagen and our own Fifa World Cup experience, because COP17 is undoubtedly a "mega-event".

In the case of the Fifa World Cup the host country hosts the event, but Fifa really runs the show. Or at least takes all the big decisions that need to be taken. In the case of UNFCCC, it is slightly different: the host is expected to play a major role in the running of the process.

This is a daunting challenge, given the complexity of the negotiations, not to mention their significance for the future of humanity.

The Danes partly screwed it up. As University of Cape Town academic Harald Winkler puts it in a recent article in the journal *Climate Policy: "The inept chairing by the Danish COP president exacerbated tensions rather than bringing the parties closer to agreement."

In the hot seat
Who will be in the hot seat in Durban? Clumsily, government has had three different environment ministers in the past 18 months: Marthinus van Schalkwyk was replaced by Bulelwa Sonjica, who was summarily dismissed recently and replaced by Edna Molewa.

Was this wise? Molewa has a year to get on top of a massive brief, against the backdrop of negotiations that have a long institutional memory and in which relationships between key individuals are crucial.

One of the criticisms made of Sonjica was that she did not prioritise the international arena, failing to pitch at more than one important multilateral gathering.

In turn, there is talk that Dirco -- the department of international relations and co-operation -- is positioning itself to seize the poisoned chalice and be the lead department for COP17.

Who would be the best person to chair the process and be the face of South Africa for 10 long days and nights?

Who can cajole the Americans and the Chinese into line?

Who can handle the rumbustious G77 firebrands, who use the UNFCCC to tilt at all manner of windmills?

Not to mention the Bolivian-led "Alba" states' grouping, which is offering, with increasing velocity, an alternative vision of climate politics?

These and other questions need to be resolved sooner rather than later if South Africa is not to make a fool of itself in a year's time.

romanSA

November 23rd, 2010, 11:24 AM

romanSA

November 23rd, 2010, 06:02 PM

Here's an excerpt of the views of renowned political commentator, Patrick Bond, on Durban's award of Cop 17. He argues (perhaps correctly!) that the COP 17 negotiators shouldn't be offered the unbeatable security that the ICC can offer (and later, outlines why Durban is the most appropriate and symbolic place in SA to host COP 17)...

----------------

So nearly everyone was pleased, a fortnight ago, with the choice of Durban to host the 2011 Conference of the Parties (COP) 17, the world climate summit. Competition was tough. The conference centre in beautiful Cape Town was rejected, according to a guest post on former CT City Manager Andrew Boraine’s blog, because of “the high levels of security required… The CT International Conference Centre (ICC) falls way behind the ICC complex in Durban. You can lock it down completely and keep the over-the-top protesters well away from the high level attendees.”

Boraine, a Johannesburg NGO colleague of mine two decades ago when he helped Alexandra Township civic associations defend their over-the-top protests against apartheid, is now a public-private partnership facilitator. “Cape Town's proposal,” he rebutted, “took into account the need to be able to lock down certain areas for government delegations and VIPs.”

Sorry, I don’t accept the need for to safely insulate these rascals, for last December in Copenhagen I witnessed how badly the VIPs performed when tasked with making binding emissions cuts. Not only were none made but even the 1997 Kyoto Protocol’s minor five percent cuts (measured from 1990-2012) were completely undermined.

SA and US presidents Jacob Zuma and Barack Obama joined Chinese, Indian and Brazilian leaders in wrecking the last vestiges of UN democracy and threatening their own societies (especially Zulu and Luo kinfolk who are on the climate frontline), on behalf of the (mainly white-owned) fossil fuel industry and (mainly white) frequent fliers (like myself). Chief negotiator for the G77, Lumumba Di-Apeng, poignantly asked, “What is Obama going to tell his daughters? That their [Kenyan] relatives’ lives are not worth anything?”

At the COP 16 climate summit, lasting through December 11 in Cancun, Mexico, these VIPs definitely need a strong wake-up slap - as activists there gave World Trade Organisation negotiators in 2003 - not a quiet meeting place where they’ll just back-slap.

Actually, the strategy many in civil society considered around this time last year, was what Boraine unintentionally advocated: ‘locking down’ (and in) the world leaders inside Copenhagen’s Bella Centre, so they would finally feel the pressure to sign a real deal, instead of the sleazy Copenhagen Accord.

This would have involved blockades preventing delegates from departing last December 19, the way activists did in September 2000 at Prague’s ancient palace, where SA finance minister Trevor Manuel chaired the World Bank’s annual meeting. The VIPs barely scampered to safety from global-justice protesters, after again doing nothing to reform globalisation.

The plan to lock down the climate-negotiating VIPs in Copenhagen was considered and then abandoned when Danish police turned semi-fascistic. It’s not even an option worth discussing in Durban given that City Manager Mike Sutcliffe regularly denies permission to peacefully protest.

But come to think of it, on 31 August 2001, a march of 15,000 to the ICC led by the late Fatima Meer and Dennis Brutus against a pathetic UN racism conference came close to barging in on the lethargic delegates. Recall the activists’ valid complaints then: no UN discussion of reparations needed for slavery, colonialism and apartheid, and no action against Israeli racial oppression and occupation of Palestine...

...Even in the North’s most left-leaning government, it was all fibbery, as shown when Bank executive directors had a chance to turn down the notorious $3.75 billion Medupi coal loan in April. The Norwegian representative only managed a limp abstention, not the "no!" vote demanded by a South African-led global coalition of 200 concerned groups.

When Nore told the workshop that fifty governments had come to his agency for assistance in managing oil resources, including South Africa, I flashed back to South Durban’s oil grievances:

• massive greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to SA’s emissions of CO2 per unit of per person GDP being twenty times worse than even the US,

• regular fires, explosions, and devastating oil pipe leaks,

• the world’s highest recorded school asthma rates (Settlers Primary) and a leukemia pandemic,

• extreme capital-intensity in petro-chem production and extreme unemployment in surrounding communities,

• a huge new pipeline to double the oil flow from Durban to Johannesburg (already two children were killed after falling into unprotected trenches), and

• an old airport earmarked for expansion of the petrochemical, auto and shipping industries.

South Durban is one of the world’s extreme sites of climate change cause and effect: well-paid managers run leaky-bucket toxic factories by day and escape to plush suburbs by night, and gasping residents either slowly die from the exhaust or wake in fear when the refineries erupt with noxious fumes late at night. Yet thanks to one of Africa’s finest eco-social campaigning groups, SDCEA, the area can become an inspiring site for fighting petro-power and visioning alternatives.

Consistent with a global consensus that whales should be left in the ocean, the only solution to the climate crisis is one that genuinely decent Norwegian community residents, fisherfolk, environmentalists and social activists are promoting in their own petrol-rich Lofoten region. The demand there is identical to one made by South Durban residents fed up with smells far more damaging than the decomposing blubber of yesteryear: “leave the oil in the soil!”

Patrick Bond is on sabbatical from the UKZN Centre for Civil Society, based at UCal-Berkeley Department of Geography. His books include Uneven Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe’s Plunge.

http://www.counterpunch.org/bond11222010.html

romanSA

November 29th, 2010, 10:34 AM

Looks like the massive Centrum Site, which adjoins the ICC and Exhibition Centre sites, will also be utilised for COP 17. This excludes the 20,000 m2 paved plaza of the DEC that is also available for the meeting. The plaza area and Centrum site would be the logical locations for any extension to the current ICC campus given that they are both fully city-owned and already secure (the Centrum site is now full fenced off after recent WC upgrades).

Does anyone have figures for the m2 sizes of Sandton ICC and CTICC?

----------------

Certain CT folk have been harping on and on (without yielding any verifiable proof whatsoever) that the decision to award Durban COP 17 was "political", and that CT was far better suited to host the event, largely based on having more 5 star hotels (never mind that most of the visitors / delegates will be from NGOs and low/middle income countries and can't / won't be able afford 5 star accommodation!). These posters have conveniently ignored the fact that the SA government has gone on record as saying that Durban ICC was the best place to host the event based on its size (never mind its superior security offerings).

I thus thought it would be interesting to verify the government's stance by looking at the CTICC capacity breakdown.

The four biggest dedicated meeting / convention venues in the CITCC are the following:

Auditorium 1: 1,170m2 (theatre / classroom configuration can host 1,500 people)

Auditorium 2: 490m2 (theatre / classroom configuration can host 620 people)

Full Ballroom: 1,876m2 (1,980 people can be hosted theatre configuration or 1,296 people can be hosted in classroom configuration)

Full Exhibition Hall (Hall 1-4 combined): 11,399m2 (9,500 people can be hosted theatre configuration or 7,720 can be hosted classroom configuration)

That makes a total of 14,395m2 of event-hosting capacity in the CTICC.

The rest of touted hosting capacity of the CTICC is comprised by including its foyers, restaurants, balconies(!), conservatories, lounges, outside Marshalling Yard, storage rooms(!!!), and small meeting rooms (in this respect, the small meeting / boardrooms are inconsequential in the grand scheme of things considering the numbers that COP 17 will involve).

This can be independently verified:

http://www.cticc.co.za/Files/Attachments/documents/CTICC%20Capacity%20Chart%202010.pdf

Compare this to the Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC) *ITSELF* offering 9,500m2 of space (never mind the main ICC complex and the ICC Arena), and excluding all the the open courtyards within the ICC campus, which themselves offer **tens of thousands of m2 of meeting space** (tented or open), and *excluding* the adjacent massive Centrum site. All the Durban space occurs within ONE SECURE COMPLEX (including the Centrum site, which is fenced and linked by bridge to the DEC/ICC) and involve no vehicular transportation (although I suspect that non-official side events may be hosted by certain attending parties in other venues, such as the nearby Olive Convention Centre).

Conveniently omitted by the Capetonians is that the CT proposal involved splitting the hosting of COP 17 between the CTICC and *SEVERAL* other meeting venues, including the CT Civic Centre, Artscape, CT Station, City Hall, Good Hope Centre, CT Stadium, V&A Waterfront, hotels and Parliament (never mind that the largest proposed supplemental venue was Goodhope Centre (4,500m2 exhibition style [max capacity 2,500 people in a theatre configuration]), which is is a relatively tatty venue for such a major event, and also located in a relatively run-down part of CT). Thus, the CT proposal would have meant deploying security at all these venues.

When you factor this all in, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the Durban proposal made much more (security) and logistic sense, given the probable volatility of the event, even factoring in the city having fewer 5 star hotels than CT.

Mo Rush

November 29th, 2010, 10:44 AM

----------------

Certain CT folk have been harping on and on (without yielding any verifiable proof whatsoever) that the decision to award Durban COP 17 was "political", and that CT was far better suited to host the event, largely based on having more 5 star hotels (never mind that most of the visitors / delegates will be from NGOs and low/middle income countries and can't / won't be able afford 5 star accommodation!). These posters have conveniently ignored the fact that the SA government has gone on record as saying that Durban ICC was the best place to host the event based on its size (never mind its superior security offerings).

I thus thought it would be interesting to verify the government's stance by looking at the CTICC capacity breakdown.

The four biggest dedicated meeting / convention venues in the CITCC are the following:

Auditorium 1: 1,170m2 (theatre / classroom configuration can host 1,500 people)

Auditorium 2: 490m2 (theatre / classroom configuration can host 620 people)

Full Ballroom: 1,876m2 (1,980 people can be hosted theatre configuration or 1,296 people can be hosted in classroom configuration)

Full Exhibition Hall (Hall 1-4 combined): 11,399m2 (9,500 people can be hosted theatre configuration or 7,720 can be hosted classroom configuration)

That makes a total of 14,395m2 of event-hosting capacity in the CTICC.

The rest of touted hosting capacity of the CTICC is comprised by including its foyers, restaurants, balconies(!), conservatories, lounges, outside Marshalling Yard, storage rooms(!!!), and small meeting rooms (in this respect, the small meeting / boardrooms are inconsequential in the grand scheme of things considering the numbers that COP 17 will involve).

This can be independently verified:

http://www.cticc.co.za/Files/Attachments/documents/CTICC%20Capacity%20Chart%202010.pdf

Compare this to the Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC) *ITSELF* offering 9,500m2 of space (never mind the main ICC complex and the ICC Arena), and excluding all the the open courtyards within the ICC campus, which themselves offer **tens of thousands of m2 of meeting space** (tented or open), and *excluding* the adjacent massive Centrum site. All the Durban space occurs within ONE SECURE COMPLEX (including the Centrum site, which is fenced and linked by bridge to the DEC/ICC) and involve no vehicular transportation (although I suspect that non-official side events may be hosted by certain attending parties in other venues, such as the nearby Olive Convention Centre).

Conveniently omitted by the Capetonians is that the CT proposal involved splitting the hosting of COP 17 between the CTICC and *SEVERAL* other meeting venues, including the CT Civic Centre, Artscape, CT Station, City Hall, Good Hope Centre, CT Stadium, V&A Waterfront, hotels and Parliament (never mind that the largest proposed supplemental venue was Goodhope Centre (4,500m2 exhibition style [max capacity 2,500 people in a theatre configuration]), which is is a relatively tatty venue for such a major event, and also located in a relatively run-down part of CT). Thus, the CT proposal would have meant deploying security at all these venues.

When you factor this all in, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the Durban proposal made much more (security) and logistic sense, given the probable volatility of the event, even factoring in the city having fewer 5 star hotels than CT.

Its highly unlikely the venue will be changed.

However, it remains a political decision, given the evaluation rankings (which did not rank Durban ahead of Cape Town) and monetary guarantees required.

The fact that the UN face issues currently with accommodation, also does not mean the venue will change.

ToxicBunny

November 29th, 2010, 10:45 AM

Very interesting breakdown roman.. I wasn't aware that the CT proposal involved splitting the hosting between many disparate venues.

ToxicBunny

November 29th, 2010, 10:49 AM

Its highly unlikely the venue will be changed.

However, it remains a political decision, given the evaluation rankings and monetary guarantees required.

The fact that the UN face issues currently with accommodation, also does not mean the venue will change.

Mo, provide proof that it was a political decision. So far we've heard NOTHING official whatsoever, all we've had are your rantings on the subject with a supposed "confidential" email.

romanSA

November 29th, 2010, 11:14 AM

Its highly unlikely the venue will be changed.

However, it remains a political decision, given the evaluation rankings (which did not rank Durban ahead of Cape Town) and monetary guarantees required.

The fact that the UN face issues currently with accommodation, also does not mean the venue will change.

It is definitely unlikely (although not impossible) that the venue will be changed.

It remains a "political" decision only for certain Capetonians for self-serving reasons. When confronted by objectively verifiable FACTS, as posted above, it makes total common (and logistic / financial) sense to an average person, even accommodation issues factored in (can you imagine the hosting, transportation, and security costs involved in multiple venues for a volatile event? Or are these less important factors than having the most 5 star accommodation facilities??).

As I have repeatedly pointed out (without response), Nairobi (which has less accommodation than Durbs in all accommodation grading categories) hosted COP 12. The UN didn't seem to have a problem with that (and I am yet to see any objectively verifiable proof that the UN has any problem with Durban either). Further, host of COP 15, Copenhagen (which is a much smaller city than Durbs), utilised private home (i.e., not accredited bed & breakfast lodges) to accommodate COP 17 visitors. I didn't see the UN having a problem with that. The UN knew of these issues before they awarded those respective cities the event.

Lastly, scores are not a reflection of how things will eventually pan out. The 2016 Olympic Games bidding process, amongst others, is an excellent illustration of this (where Doha was not even selected to the Candidature phase, despite having scored higher than selected candidate city, Rio de Janeiro, due to logistic factors).

romanSA

November 29th, 2010, 11:18 AM

Very interesting breakdown roman.. I wasn't aware that the CT proposal involved splitting the hosting between many disparate venues.

CT *had* to propose splitting the hosting as the CTICC is not big enough to host COP 17 on its own (unlike ICC Durban, which can host the entire event without the need to spill onto other non-ICC venues). Until CTICC is expanded, it will continue to face such constraints for such major (volatile) events.

dysan1

November 29th, 2010, 02:11 PM

pierrelouis

December 1st, 2010, 09:18 PM

It is hoped that this year's momentum to the COP17 will be used to helping the Gov to articulate a real low carbon vision away of the business as usual that it presently tries to protect as much as possible.

This would then align the whole cabinet and people behind a common goal, which would ease the strategy and policy definition. SA could then show to others that it can walk the talk Regards

PL

romanSA

December 7th, 2010, 09:07 AM

This city initiative seems most appropropriate given the event...

-----------------

A Carbon-neutral COP 17 - CMP 7

Durban plans to use the 2010 FIFA Soccer World CupTM experience as the basis for hosting a carbon-neutral COP 17- CMP 7.

Following a similar process, an initial study would be undertaken to determine the exact carbon footprint of COP 17 CMP 7. An initial estimate that was calculated by eThekwini Municipality’s Energy Office, indicates a likely footprint of approximately 22 085tCO2 eq.

Durban would aim to offset the carbon emissions associated with COP 17 CMP 7 in three ways:

•Firstly through the expansion of existing reforestation projects or the initiation of a reforestation project in a new area from the existing Buffelsdraai Landfill Site Reforestation Project.

Work has already started at Inanda Mountain west of Durban, and a number of other potential sites have been identified.

Based on current estimates, the establishment of a further 100 hectares of forest at any one of these sites would offset the footprint of COP 17 CMP 7.

•Secondly, Durban is in a position to be able to use the five existing CDM projects as carbon offsets for COP 17 CMP 7.

•Finally, Durban would aim to initiate a programme whereby delegates and the countries, companies or institutions they represent, could make a voluntary contribution to offset their carbon emissions.

These contributions would be used either to purchase renewable energy or to fund a part of one of the reforestation projects.

http://www.cop17durban.com/Climate_Capital/GreeningCOP17_CMP7/Pages/Carbon_neutral_COP17_CMP7.aspx

romanSA

December 9th, 2010, 03:57 PM

A little known fact is that Durban's award of COP 17 is symbolic and appropriate as the city has previously played host to major climate-related initiatives.

During October 4-7, 2004, Durban played host to a meeting of representatives from organizations and peoples’ movements from around the world to discuss "realistic avenues for addressing climate change".

This, in turn, inspired the creation of a growing global initiative, the Durban Group for Climate Change, now known more commonly simply as the Durban Group (named after the host city, not because its driven by the city or Durban players):

http://www.durbanclimatejustice.org/who-are-we

This 2004 meeting in Durban, in turn, gave rise to two international documents that explictly refer to Durban:

1. A global call for climate justice and a global grassroots movement against climate change:

http://www.carbontradewatch.org/durban/calleng.pdf

and

2. The Durban Declaration on Carbon Trading:

http://www.fern.org/node/3614

http://www.fern.org/sites/fern.org/files/media/documents/document_3614_3622.pdf

Following this, and following the holding of similar regional workshops globally, the city hosted a Workshop on Forest Governance and Decentralisation in Africa, during April 8-11, 2008, in support of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), sponsored by the governments of South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Norway, the United States of America and Germany. One of the important themes covered by the workshop was the impact of deforestation on climate change.

http://www.cifor.cgiar.org/publications/pdf_files/events/documentations/Durban/papers/Workshop_Forest%20Gov_Program.pdf

I hope COP 17 inspires revisits to all these initiative given how central the city was in inspiring them. I suspect COP 17 will result in even more such city-linked initiatives. Will be great (free) perpetual exposure and branding for the city.

romanSA

December 15th, 2010, 08:20 PM

Summit will cost SA R300m
December 15 2010

It will cost South Africa about R300-million to host the 17th Conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban next year, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica said on Wednesday.

The city of Durban is expected to cover about 25 percent of the cost of the event, she said in response to a parliamentary question from the Democratic Alliance.

The city's responsibilities will include providing the venue, security and marketing for the November 28 to December 9 conference. It will see the next round of negotiations towards a global accord on combating climate change for the period from 2012 when the first commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol expires.

Earlier this month in the Mexican resort of Cancun negotiators reached a an agreement calling on rich countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and developing nations to plan to cut emissions, to limit global warming to less than two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Negotiators hope to clinch an encompassing, legally binding accord in Durban. - Sapa

http://www.iol.co.za/scitech/news/summit-will-cost-sa-r300m-1.1001894

Mo Rush

December 17th, 2010, 10:39 AM

So that's R75m that Durban will pay. Very interesting number.

romanSA

January 8th, 2011, 06:36 PM

Good to city the city's greening initiatives getting international attention...

-------------

COP17 in Durban, South Africa 2011
Part of: Climate change

Climate change Durban, South Africa- The next climate summit, COP17, for 2011 will take place in the South African city of Durban, showcasing to the world how they have adapted their city and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Michelle Lanning, 07/01-2011

With the jump into the new year, 2011 will be the year where the next Conference of the Parties (COP) will be held in Durban, South Africa from November 28 to December 9. While COP17 will be an important chance to further along those plans and agreements that were reached by all participating governments this past December at COP16, it will also be a chance to inspire a new wave of green activity with new ideas and success stories. South Africa will have an exciting chance to reveal to the world its creative and strategic solutions within Durban and set the stage for other similar projects to take way in many other locations around the world.
Click here to visit the official COP17 website: http://www.cop17durban.com/Pages/default.aspx

The operational government panel in charge of the development of such projects is the eThekwini Municipality. Under the eThekwini Municipality’s Municipal Climate Protection Programme, Durban currently has a few pilot projects successfully in operation. Here is a full list of these projects: http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/services/cleansing/gastoelec/landfill

Here are some things we can look forward to in the coming year:

The Projects

The first and possibly the most successful so far is the Green Roof Project, initiated in 2004. The programme aims to restore unused rooftop spaces into places that can simultaneously help combat global warming and on a smaller scale help tackle some issues with the city's infrastructure. “A strong emphasis has been placed on identifying climate change adaption projects that will improve the resilience of the city to future developmental, social and environmental challenges” the website notes. However uncertain those may be, government officials in Durban are preparing for some of those changes now. According to the project's website, the cornerstones of successfully completing this project are understanding the vulnerability of the city and its people to the impacts of a change in climate in the near future.

Heat Island Effect

The project was inspired by the "heat island effect" and high surface run-off issues that vex the city. The heat island effect describes the phenomenon where a city experiences temperatures higher than surrounding areas not within the city. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states, “The annual mean air temperature of a city with 1 million people or more can be 1.8–5.4°F (1–3°C) warmer than its surroundings”. As the climate is pre cursed to change and in many areas warm, there will be a higher demand for energy to regulate building temperatures. Air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions can be expected due to this and the heat island effect will only continue to intensify.

Many parts of Africa already currently face droughts year round. If the climate over Africa shifts, bearing even less rainfall, a resulting food shortage will be eminent. This is one of the aspects the Green Roof Project of Durban plans to address by implementing food growth strategies on city rooftops. City residents would be able to grow their own food locally and sell it locally, creating a sustainable market for the city.

Reforestation

Another project, the Buffelsdraai Landfill Site Community Reforestation Project, was started in 2010, also under the eThekwini Municipality’s Municipal Climate Protection Programme. It is being supported by two local communities; the Buffelsdraai and Osindisweni. The people from these communities are responsible for supplying the project with their own collected seeds and trees. Not only does this project promote restoring the ecosystem back to a healthy medium through carbon offsets from providing reforested habitat with the ability to naturally sequester carbon emissions. Aside from that feat, it also promotes local involvement, improving their livelihood. This project's success can be measured from the 82,000 trees planted and the involvement of 500 community members. The project claims the result will be an offset of several thousand tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 20 year period.

Greenhouse Gases

According to the Kyoto Protocol (Dec 1997), there are six gases listed greenhouse gases (GHG)including: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N20), hydro fluorocarbons (HFC’s), perfluorocarbons (PFC’s) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). Methane is produced in landfills as wastes decompose. Methane gas (CH4) is 21 times more capable than Carbon dioxide (CO2) at trapping heat in the atmosphere. Although CO2 is far more abundant in the atmosphere than CH4, it still poses a great threat in terms of the warming planet.

Methane to Electricity

A third project that will be showcased in the COP17 summit meeting is the Marrianhill Landfill Gas to Electricity Project. Based on three landfill sites which are emitting greenhouse gases around the clock , Durban plans to utilize the CH4 gas and turn it into a renewed energy source. Currently, the landfill is producing around 400m3/hr of landfill gas with 0.5 MW of electricity which can be transferred to the city's energy grid. This project complies with the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) that was proposed for sustainable development and prevent climate warming by way of limiting greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries by the Kyoto Protocol.

Much like the Marrianhill Landfill Gas to Electricity Project, the Bisasar Landfill Site is also involved in transforming methane gases produced from the decomposition processes into usable energy.

Building Momentum

These projects spotlight some necessary adaptations cities around the world may need to incorporate into their existing structural plans in the face of unforeseen changes that will result due to future climate patterns. There are many other locations around the world which have also implemented similar adaptations to their cities or technologies. However, by showcasing what a city in South Africa has done for its people, the hope will be to inspire more projects of similar force to pop up. Collectively, we as a global community need to build momentum in the coming years if we want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.

http://www.bellona.org/weblog/1294403601.78

dysan1

January 10th, 2011, 03:23 PM

COP17: SA's chance to shine
YOLANDI GROENEWALD - Jan 10 2011 15:16

Last year the World Cup came to South Africa and at the end of this year it will be the United Nations climate caravan that sets up camp in Durban.

Most South Africans aren't exactly cleaning the party chairs and blowing up balloons.

Yet COP17, the 17th conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN's annual climate change negotiations, is both a mark of South Africa's growing diplomatic status and another opportunity to shine on the world stage.

Unlike the World Cup final, the impact of which was confined to a particular time and place, the climate talks could shape the future of our world decisively. They are likely to set the framework of the economy of the next generation, determine the way we live and consume, and put an indelible stamp on future social infrastructure.

Past negotiations, particularly the much-hyped round in Copenhagen, have failed to deliver on the mandate to green the future and save the planet. But the unexpected progress in the closing round of negotiations in Cancún, Mexico, last year has raised expectations. Durban could provide the magic the world needs.

With the "Hopenhagen" disaster still fresh in the memory, South Africa's negotiating team is cautious about talking up the Durban jamboree. "The world will get the outcome in Durban it is ready for," South Africa's savvy lead negotiator, Alf Wills, ventured.

The South Africans are not even willing to engage on the possibility of a "Durban protocol", similar to the controversial Kyoto agreement. But deep down, everyone wants the South African gathering to yield a treaty that will cap the carbon emissions of nations, halt climate change and keep temperature rise below two Degrees Celsius, as demanded by science.

South Africa itself is on a heavy carbon diet. Almost 90% of the country's energy needs are provided by coal, of which it has seemingly endless deposits. Although the country has agreed to cut coal use at previous climate meetings, a tough road lies ahead, with more investment in green energy and renewable resources.

When the world arrives in Durban in December, the Medupi coal power station will be near completion and the foundations of the Kusile station may have been laid. Among the Durban delegates will be critics of the World Bank loan to make Medupi happen and the spotlight is sure to shine on South Africa's reliance on coal.

The host nation will come under further scrutiny as NGOs take media delegations on sponsored trips to projects and sites related to the talks.

Organisations such as Greenpeace are not afraid to stage dramatic stunts to embarrass environmental offenders, including scaling a Polish coal-powered station in 2008 to highlight Poland's reliance on dirty energy.

The challenge for the South Africans will be to turn the spotlight away from its current reliance on coal to its plans to become a leader in green energy.

Joanne Yawitch, one of South Africa's main negotiators, told the Mail & Guardian that the key is to build relationships before the conference to engage civil society.

In Copenhagen civil society was enraged at being locked out of the talks because of a lack of space and violent protests erupted outside the conference centre. The pictures of police beating climate activists did not boost Denmark's reputation as a tolerant state.

The activists will be in Durban once again and Yawitch's suggestion is that they should be incorporated as far as possible as allies and participants. Make no mistake, the pressure on South Africa to create an atmosphere conducive to a deal will be huge.

Hosting the climate change talks is an enormous honour but also a huge responsibility. This time round the future of the world is at stake.

http://www.mg.co.za/article/2011-01-10-cop17-sas-chance-to-shine

romanSA

January 14th, 2011, 08:04 AM

LOW-CARBON FUTURE
From Cancun to Durban – what’s in store for the next 12 months?
By: Saliem Fakir
14th January 2011

When you land in Cancun, what strikes you most starkly are concrete blocks upon concrete blocks that have taken occupation where lush mangroves once existed.

There are many square metres of hotels squatting along Cancun’s beautiful beach boulevard. Cradling along the main thoroughfare are brand icons of the cement industry – including Cemex and Lafarge – waiting to pour more concrete at the dollar’s beckoning.

Perhaps things have changed since the recession, and where the dollar does not buy as it used to, the flow of concrete has been somewhat stemmed.

Cancun is truly an American tourist resort, and I hope I am not too impolite in suggesting that the noises of concrete and tourists take a tad of the Mexican out of Cancun. You have to go a few hundred kilometres out of town to see, smell and taste the real Mexico.

When the dollar dictates terms, the scale at which things are done can only astound you. You pay one fixed price for a night and you get to eat and drink what you want. One could drink a variety of tequilas like you have never drunk before. It was all part of the contradictions that filled the ambience of the recent climate negotiations in Cancun. Here, cheap carbon-sucking tourism and there, not too far away, the future of the world being negotiated.

Back at the Moon Palace, where the main negotiations were taking place and where American warships could be seen anchored not too far away, Cancun was a success only because it started off a low base after the climate change negotiations in Copenhagen hopelessly flopped.

Cancun, under the skilful tutelage of the Mexican negotiators, needed only deliver any low-base goal and it would be a success. And, indeed, it did.

There is a glimmer of hope, some may say, but we should not be too sure. We are still a long way from a new Kyoto and legally binding emissions reduction targets. This is the challenge left for Durban and a real tough nut to crack.

What Cancun did was to politely expunge the controversial Copenhagen Accord, hatched by a few countries. We have waved goodbye to the botched Copenhagen Accord for now. The work of the Mexicans also ensured that not too many feathers were ruffled.

The Mexicans managed to bring a modicum of respect for multilateralism and the emphasis that no process outside the multilateral system will be acceptable.

Cancun delivered two low-hanging fruits: a global green fund, to be managed in the interim by the World Bank, and a process from Cancun to Durban. The operations of the green fund and how it is to be financed are not clear at the moment.

Following the Copenhagen meeting, United Nations (UN) secretary-general Ban Ki-moon established a high-level advisory panel for global finance (AGF) to figure out how the $100-billion that is needed each year to fund climate action by 2020 can be raised.

The AGF’s report came out prior to the Cancun meeting. The panel consolidated the proposals that have been floating about for some time now with respect to how international finance can be raised to fund climate mitigation and adaptation. These range from the raising of bunker fuels and some sort of Tobin tax to the mobilisation of private capital. But the AGF’s work is caught up in some untidy bits of politics between the Conference of Parties for climate change and the UN secretary-general’s initiative.

The lines have still not been connected between the two processes. The AGF’s work has still to be incorporated into the climate negotiations process.

Whether we will have a second round of the Kyoto Protocol is uncertain, and it does not help that we have a flip-flop on this issue and no sign of strong backing by the very country that gave the protocol its name – Japan.

Currently, the emissions reductions pledged are well below what is required by science. Most people are sceptical that Durban will deliver a ‘required by science’ level of ambition to keep temperature rises below 2 ºC.

For the process up to Durban, there is still the negotiation of a legally binding agreement and the phasing in of a second round of the Kyoto Protocol – both the US and China are key to how this unfolds. Predicting success for Durban is a tough call and seems like mission impossible.

We may well end up like the Doha round of trade talks (as some have suggested) – lots of talking and no real will to commit to any global action. It will be impasse upon impasse until the very thing itself fades from memory – who remembers Doha these days?

Edited by: Martin Zhuwakinyu

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/from-cancun-to-durban-whats-in-store-for-the-next-12-months-2011-01-14

romanSA

January 17th, 2011, 11:57 AM

These are some of the big movers and shakers that could make a visit to Durbs in Nov-Dec 2011. Some big names amongst this group, including several celebs...

----------------------

Green giants: the eco power list

We all agree that the planet is in a perilous position. But what is the best way to save it? We name the 20 activists, filmmakers, writers, politicians and celebrities who will be setting the global environmental agenda in the coming year

Lucy Siegle The Observer,
Sunday 16 January 2011

From David Attenborough to Rob Hopkins, founder of the Transition Town movement, the Observer Ethical Awards has honoured many movers and shakers in ecological and social justice. So it seems fitting to launch our sixth awards by profiling the 20 global figures who'll exert influence in 2011. For those on our list, the coming year might best be described as "take your partners" time, as activists and corporates scramble for power – and we're predicting some unlikely marriages ahead. Commentators have noted that big business is taking an unprecedented interest in the environment and are pushing for conservation capitalism. The really big decisions from the climate-change conference in Cancun have effectively been rolled over to December's summit in Durban when the pressure is on to come up with a successive treaty to Kyoto, and we highlight the likely stars in Durban. It also celebrates those who inform our cultural, political, business and activist lives. From retail to politics, these are the people who will set the tone for how green issues are perceived and how the planet is protected.

ECO ICON: DAVID TAKAYOSHI SUZUKI
The eco warrior's eco warrior, Suzuki is a scientist and author of dozens of books (his latest is The Legacy) who has long been frustrated by time-wasting over the planet's precarious position: "We're in a giant car heading towards a brick wall and everyone's arguing over where they're going to sit." Now his radical conservation methods are the subject of a film, Force of Nature, directed by Sturla Gunnarsson. Billed as Suzuki's last definitive lecture (let's hope not: he's only in his 70s and the planet could do with him for a good while longer), it also charts how Pearl Harbour changed the course of his Japanese family's history and how Suzuki was one of the first scientists to become a counter-culture folk hero. It is the first green film of 2011 and may turn out to be the most important.

DEFENDER OF THE RURAL POOR: HENRY SARAGIH

There are grassroots organisations, and then there's La Via Campesina. An alliance of small-scale farmers and rural workers in their millions, it has become their most vociferous champion as "peasant farmers" all over the world face down forced evictions because of the rise in agrofuels and monocultures backed by transglobal corporations. It is widely believed that the world is at a crucial crossroads and that without a struggle small-scale producers will disappear. Not if General Secretary Henry Saragih has anything to do with it – as head of the Indonesia Peasant Union, he has also fought the so-called "palm oil barons". As the Guardian's John Vidal puts it: "How this struggle plays out in the next 20 years will determine whether there is any rainforest left intact in southeast Asia in 50 years' time, and possibly the political future of many developing countries."

BIRD-LOVING NOVELIST: JONATHAN FRANZEN

Franzen has given previous hints to a green disposition in his novels – climate change has twice been a minor character – but in Freedom, published last year, the theme was more overt. Protagonist Walter Berglund is "greener than Greenpeace", a professional ecologist who makes a Faustian pact with a mountaintop-mining company in an effort to save a rare warbler. Grist.org (the online resource for ecovists everywhere) was smitten, suggesting that Freedom was the new Silent Spring (Rachel Carson's 1962 book that gave rise to the modern eco movement). "I've moved away from that sort of deep-ecological extremism," Franzen replied. "I started to think: what can we do for wild birds right now? I don't want these particular species to disappear." That's more than enough evidence for him to be crowned the (reluctant) eco novelist.

THE GREEN PRESIDENT: EVO MORALES

The leader of Bolivia's Movement for Socialism has become a self-proclaimed defender of Mother Earth. His dramatic rhetoric was perhaps the highlight of a lacklustre Cancun conference: "We are familiar with the slogan 'Country or Death', but it is better now to talk about 'Planet or Death'." Bolivia's radical position includes a proposal to the UN to make water a human right, and nationalising the oil industry. His critics point out that, while he talks the green fight, his country is dependent on hydrocarbon and extraction industries. Can he prove he's more than hot air?

RE-FORESTING GURU: CAROLE SAINT-LAURENT

Saint-Laurent is a woman with a plan, rather literally. The International Union for Conservation of Nature's senior advisor on forests has headed up a study that maps 1.5bn hectares of potential new forest; that's an area the size of Russia. This doesn't negate the outrage that three-quarters of the world's forests have either been cleared, destroyed or fragmented, with a third lost forever – but restoring forest has big benefits for communities and ecosystems. And this year is the UN Year of Forests. In case you missed it, last year was the UN Year of Biodiversity. Since 80% of biodiversity is land based, and much of that in forests, we hope that this year's choice has double the resonance and double the impact.

CLIMATE CHANGE-BUSTING MAYOR: MICHAEL BLOOMBERG

This year humankind will pass the 7 billion population marker and, as the US Center for Urban Restoration puts it: ''Some time during this decade, a child will be born who will mark humanity's transformation into an urban species – for the first time, more people will live in cities than in the rural areas of the earth." The C40, set up in 2005, brings together leaders of 40 of the world's largest cities to organise a co-ordinated response to climate change. The mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, is in charge. "Our cities have demonstrated that we are prepared to boldly confront climate change," Bloomberg says. "As mayors, we know that we don't have the luxury of simply talking about change without delivering it." Think of it as a particularly high-end town hall meeting with a very serious outcome.

NGO LEADERS: NNIMMO BASSEY (FRIENDS OF THE EARTH), KUMI NAIDOO (GREENPEACE)

For the first time, the heads of the two most famous planet-saving NGOs, Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace, hail from Africa: Bassey from Nigeria and Naidoo from the Durban townships. Both have gritty experience as activists. Bassey became an environmentalist after he witnessed the massacre when Nigerian forces opened fire on the village of Umuechem in the Niger Delta, where residents had campaigned against the Shell Petroleum Development Company. "Oil has been the destruction of the Nigerian economy," he says. "It destroys the relation between the people and the state." Naidoo began campaigning against apartheid in education as a 15-year-old. He was exiled in 1987. Years of experience have taught him that "having a seat at the table is very different from being equal voices at the table, and it is very different from being listened to." Come December both men will make politicians listen in Durban.

GREEN RETAILERS: WALMART VERSUS TIMBERLAND

There may soon come a time when you won't be able to buy anything from toothpaste to shoes without knowing the quantity of emissions it's responsible for or how it compares to the hemp version. Big retailers have big plans for green labelling: Jeff Swartz, CEO of Timberland, has already kicked things off with the Earthkeeper boot that minimises your footprint's footprint. Timberland is one of 200 clothing companies creating a giant Eco Index. Meanwhile the planet's biggest retailer, Walmart, has promised to apply eco labels to thousands of product lines. Less impressive for those who think planet saving is about not buying stuff.

ECO FESTIVAL FOUNDER: EDUARDO FISCHER

Eduardo Fischer has been described as the Richard Branson of Brazil, which may or may not be a compliment. As well as owning the advertising group Grupo TotalCom, he is the founder of SWU – Starts With You – a populist sustainability movement. SWU hosts an annual awareness-raising music festival in Brazil which, with a capacity of 300,000, is one of the biggest in the world. Fischer views it as the modern Woodstock. Well, perhaps – if Woodstock had had corporate sponsors including Nestlé.

TREE-PLANTING TWEENIE: FELIX FINKBEINER

Without so much as a Prince Charles picture book, the nine-year-old Felix Finkbeiner announced he wanted to plant 1m trees in his native Germany. Like a junior Wangari Maathai (the Nobel Prize winner who has planted 30m trees), he achieved his goal by the age of 12. Now the organisation he set up, Plant for the Planet, has gone international. In December Felix spoke in Cancun: "We children feel really cheated because such a lot was done for Copenhagen and at the end, what was really achieved there?" Don't mess with Felix.

YOUTH EDUCATOR: ELLEN MACARTHUR

The English sailor has become one of the major advocates for sustainable resource use, and champions the idea of viewing nature as natural capital. She had a Damascene conversion when she was still racing and came across abandoned whaling stations in South Georgia. What did humankind do when the number of whales plummetted? Just moved on to the next resource: oil. MacArthur's Foundation has become one of the leading sustainable educators of young adults.

SUSTAINABLE BUILDERS: BRAD PITT AND WILLIAM MCDONOUGH

"I don't even like the word green," Brad Pitt told historian Douglas Brinkley in a recent interview. But the 13 new homes recently completed by his Make It Right Foundation in the Lower 9th district of New Orleans are undeniably so. Post Hurricane Katrina, Pitt raised funds and teamed up with sustainable-building visionary William McDonough to get these houses built and now, according to the Green Building Council, it's the "most high-performing clean neighbourhood in the world". The self-confessed "architecture junkie" is clearly delighted by the results. "You know, out of all the Lower 9th homes we built, all are producing more energy than they are consuming. They're all pollution-free. This is an amazing story to me. Many of our home owners don't owe anything for energy use. We can prove that low-income and high- performance houses work."

ECO DIPLOMAT: SALEEM H ALI

The pervading fear is that global disputes over water and land-based resources are likely to escalate into conflict. But professor of environmental studies at the University of Vermont and experienced mediator Saleem H Ali thinks natural resources have the capacity to unite, not just divide. A fan of peace parks (border regions used to resolve disputes by giving conflicting countries incentives to maintain them), he considers consumption of material goods to be a good thing. "Money from oil wealth can be used to invest in other sectors. And that in turn can yield sustainable development," he told Forbes magazine. He does, however, agree that Nigeria is the exception to this idea. Good – we'd hate him to be in conflict with Nnimmo Bassey.

"LUNATIC" FARMER: JOEL SALATIN

There's a certain rock 'n' roll energy about Joel Salatin of Polyface – a "multi-generational, pasture-based, beyond organic, local-market farm" in Virginia. The "lunatic" prefix is one he applied to himself (just in case you thought us unspeakably rude), because he is apt to come out with statements such as: "Industrial food never asks whether the pig is happy. The pig-ness of the pig never enters the conversation." But his surprisingly sane beliefs are finding plenty of traction internationally. The debate he has generated goes far beyond the usual "conventional versus organic" conversation (he deems "organic" irrelevant). Ultimately it's all about the soil. "The soil is the only thread upon which civilisation can exist. If a person could ever realise that our existence depends on literally inches of active aerobic microbial life on terra firma, we might begin to appreciate the ecological umbilical to which we are all still attached," Salatin told treehugger.com. "The food industry, I'm convinced, actually believes we don't need soil to live." Which is where the real lunacy lies.

ELECTRIC CARMAKER: ALAN MULALLY, CEO, FORD MOTOR COMPANY

We're reliably informed by everyone that 2011 will be the year of the electric car, which makes a nice change from wondering Who Killed The Electric Car? (as per the 2006 indie documentary). At home the UK welcomes the Plug-In Car Grant, although only three qualifying models are currently on the market. Across the Atlantic, last week's big unveiling by Alan Mulally was his company's new electric Ford Focus. Time to plug in?

HOLLYWOOD'S CONSCIENCE: DEBBIE LEVIN

Twenty years ago Ted Turner and other Hollywood luminaries set up the Environmental Media Association (EMA) to put star power to work on behalf of the planet. It went well; by mid-2000 it was de rigueur to turn up at the Oscars in a Prius. Debbie Levin, who took over the EMA presidency five years ago, has her sights trained on young Hollywood: A-listers under 35: "They are the ones we really want to model these sustainable behaviours we are all talking about," she says. EMA events now feature young starlets such as Rosario Dawson, Amy Smart and Olivia Wilde talking about sustainable solutions and EMA programmes, including the 16 organic gardens it runs around Los Angeles. Levin's plans are for more projects, more stars and more green chatter. "We never stop. While you sleep we're greening the world!" she says.

THE GREEN ROYAL: PRINCE CHARLES

To build on Harmony, his book (and accompanying NBC documentary) on sustainability, His Royal Greenness is releasing a picture-book version for children this year. Naturally his eco efforts in the next few months run the risk of being eclipsed by that wedding. The famous ecological activist Vandana Shiva says: "Prince Charles has been a very courageous man because he has never thought through the throne he will occupy – but he has thought through the planet."

ONLINE ACTIVISTS: AVAAZ

Youthful dissent is in the air. Blame WikiLeaks, the protests against tuition fees, or both. The question is: can environmental campaigns capitalise and rally slacktivists and activists alike? Campaigning global web community Avaaz promises "new nimbleness and flexibility" and claims more than 6.5m active members worldwide. Campaign ideas are polled to a sample group, and only those that get a strong response are "taken to scale". But once up and running campaigns can become "supercharged" in a way the old guard could never have imagined.

THE GREEN GUZZLER: JAY LENO, TALKSHOW HOST

There's deep green and then there's Tonight show host Jay Leno – the proud owner of 240 cars. "The two are not mutually exclusive," he has explained. "You can be interested in the environment and still like cars. And there is a way to just do it sensibly." To underscore the fact, he has made his cars as green as possible. One even runs on tequila, and he recently took delivery of the new electric Chevrolet Volt.

THE (EX) GOVERNATOR: ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER

Officially the Emissions Terminator has left the building. Arnie effectively outlawed his own Hummer and ignored Washington to commit California to a 25% cut in the state's greenhouse emissions by 2020. Expect the former Governator to become an influential champion of green technology and a wandering eco ambassador. Never has his former catchphrase "I'll be back" seemed more likely.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jan/16/green-power-list-top-20

romanSA

January 20th, 2011, 03:39 PM

UN talks raise climate dilemma for host South Africa

19 Jan 2011
Source: Alertnet // Laurie Goering
REUTERS/Mike Hutchings

LONDON (AlertNet) - As South Africa gets ready to host the next major U.N. climate conference at the end of this year, it finds itself caught between competing pressures to cut greenhouse gas emissions and develop its economy.

It has just been invited to join the influential BRIC grouping of emerging economic giants - a club that includes Brazil, Russia, India and China - but its economy and its carbon emissions (1.2 percent of the world total) are far smaller than those of other group members.

That is raising concerns at home over whether South Africa really wants to belong to a group that may eventually be pressured to take on more formal emissions reductions targets, Andrew Gilder, an environmental lawyer with IMBEWU, a South African legal specialty group focused on sustainability issues, said at a talk in London this week.

Meanwhile the country, in a new climate change green paper released in November, is pushing for greater industrial efficiency, more use of renewable and nuclear power, a carbon tax, carbon capture and storage, and a reduction of at least 34 percent in its expected emissions growth by 2020 - all while trying to achieve the country's two biggest aims: job creation and poverty alleviation.

With at least 1,000 to 2,000 people migrating to Gauteng province, around Johannesburg, from elsewhere in Africa each day, and employment already running at 25 percent - with unofficial unemployment much higher - pressures to achieve "a transition to a low carbon economy in the context of equity, sustainable development and poverty eradication" are high, Gilder said.

Curbing widespread poverty and creating jobs have long been a focus in post-apartheid South Africa. But tackling climate change is slowly climbing the priorities list, not least because its impacts are quickly becoming evident.

Worsening droughts across southern Africa are hitting maize production - though this year's crop is a good one - and torrential rain and flooding this week near the border with Mozambique left 40 people dead or missing.

As rain-starved South African farmers claim a growing share of the Oliphants River to irrigate their crops, its flow downstream to Mozambique is diminishing, Gilder said, sparking protests on the other side of the border.

"It's becoming an international issue," said the lawyer, whose organisation is part of the Global Climate Network, an organisation that works to link climate change policy with economic progress. "If there's even less water in the future, then these kinds of disputes will be exacerbated."

INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Will South Africa - a nation that gets much of its power from dirty coal but is also threatening, like the United States, to regulate carbon emissions as a "priority pollutant" - be able to push world negotiators toward a binding climate treaty?

It's too early to tell, Gilder said. But a look at recent U.N. climate summits suggests more progress has been made at negotiations chaired by developing countries - Mexico and Indonesia, most recently - than at meetings hosted in developed countries.

That "gives us great cause for optimism", said Andrew Pendleton, a senior fellow working on climate change issues for the Institute for Public Policy Research, and an organiser for the Global Climate Network.

In his view, "if there's one country in the developing world where you'd want COP 17 (this year's U.N. climate conference) to take place, it's South Africa."

The talks in Durban, in November and December, will be the first major U.N. climate negotiations in Africa since a 2006 summit in Nairobi, and the stakes are high for South Africa, both at home and on the international stage.

But without successful action to curb South Africa's growing carbon emissions, they are set to quadruple between 2003 and 2050, according to Gilder. Even in the best scenario, they will plateau only around 2020 and begin to fall only by 2035, he said.

And South Africa, like most developing countries, will not move to limit emissions substantially without ambitious reductions commitments from industrialised nations and international financial support for domestic measures to tackle climate change, Gilder said.

South Africa "is couching everything in the context of the negotiations", he said.

http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/un-talks-raise-climate-dilemma-for-host-south-africa

romanSA

January 21st, 2011, 06:38 AM

SA should realistically manage Durban climate meeting expectations

By: Christy van der Merwe
20th January 2011

The eyes of the world would look upon Durban in December, when South Africa hosts the global climate change negotiations, but the country would need to realistically manage expectations regarding what could emerge from the conference.

“It’s important that we are very real about what is possible” at the seventeenth conference of the parties (COP17), said Department of Environmental Affairs deputy director-general Joanne Yawitch, who forms part of the South African negotiation team.

“At the same time,” Yawitch continued, “there is a sense that you can’t dump the big political questions anymore. We are going to need to engage with some of the issues that the Mexicans [at COP16 in Cancun] didn’t. So, it puts us in a situation where one must not build expectations too high, but at the same time one must not dumb them down too much either.”

She added that striking the appropriate balance was important to ensure that the conference in Durban did not deliver an agreement that was either meaningless, or unachievable.

At the most recent meeting, COP16 in Cancun, Mexico kept expectations for a legally binding agreement very low, compared with the COP15 gathering in Copenhagen, which had high expectations but delivered only disappointment.

One of the major issues was the changing political dynamics between member states. The US was unlikely to move very far in the negotiations owing to domestic politics, while other countries such as China would not take on obligations unless the US did.

Expectations were likely to be high leading up to the Durban meeting, because the first commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012, and the world is looking for clarity on the framework under which emissions reduction will operate going forward.

It is as yet unclear whether there would be a second legally-binding commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol, or whether an entirely new treaty would be established, or whether a non-legally binding treaty would be established.

South Africa put forward its country commitments on greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction at Copenhagen in 2009, and now further work is needed at a sectoral level to reach these targets.

At the 2009 climate change conference, under the Copenhagen Accord, South Africa said that its emissions would peak, and plateau and decline.

It committed to take nationally appropriate mitigation actions to enable a 34% deviation below the ‘business as usual' emissions growth trajectory by 2020, and a 42% deviation below the ‘business as usual' trajectory by 2025.

The reduction commitments were conditional on receiving financial and technology assistance from developed nations.

The commitments were once again reiterated at the 2010 conference in Cancun, where agreements within the purely political Copenhagen Accord, were more formally recognised, and the Cancun Agreement emerged.

“We need to start looking at, how do we peak, plateau and decline? What is it that we are going to need to do, and what is it that we need from the international community to do more, to reach what we listed in Copenhagen? I think the challenge for business - and I think we have engaged with it around the [national] policy process in quite a lot of detail - is to say, what does that mean for business sector by sector, and then eventually industry by industry?” questioned Yawitch.

KPMG resources economist and sustainability adviser Rohitesh Dhawan reiterated that the major message for business taken from the Cancun meeting was that “success in the green economy will be driven by business through governments, and not by governments through business”.

He said that both the public and private sectors needed to fully grasp the opportunities that could be presented by nationally appropriate mitigation actions and low carbon development strategies.

“Its becoming fairly evident that the global climate policy will consist of individual national country actions, joined up to some framework. Within these individual national country actions the private sector will play an increasingly important role, both on adaptation and mitigation through technology and finance,” he said, highlighting the need for robust government and business dialogue.

Edited by: Mariaan Webb

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/sa-should-realistically-manage-durban-climate-meeting-expectations-2011-01-20

romanSA

January 24th, 2011, 05:13 PM

SA must set green pace
By Lezette Engelbrecht, ITWeb online features editor
Johannesburg, 21 Jan 2011

Business and government will have to engage much more robustly on climate change issues, says the environmental affairs department's Joanne Yawitch.

Business will have to take a leadership role and engage with government on key policy, economic and technology-related issues to prepare the country for its role as host of the next UN climate summit.

This was the message from speakers in Johannesburg yesterday, discussing the road to the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), being held in Durban in December.

Following the COP 16 in Cancun, Mexico, at the end of last year, the summit marks a major decision-making event both internationally and for SA.

Joanne Yawitch, deputy director-general for climate change at the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), noted that current climate negotiations are driven by a changing world order and rise of developing countries.

She added that much of what was noted in the Copenhagen Accord at the COP 15 in 2009 was formally agreed on in Cancun.

The agreement saw countries responsible for around 80% of global emissions (including China and the US) agreeing to emission reduction targets, as well as the establishment of a Green Climate Fund, whereby richer countries will aid poorer nations to develop along a greener path, contributing $100 billion annually by 2020.

”What's more important for SA, however, is what was not agreed to, because those are the issues we'll have to engage with during COP 17,” said Yawitch.

She explained that Cancun didn't reach a decision on key equity-related policies, or on whether there will be a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol.

This is a key consideration in deciding whether to follow a new system with reduction targets for all countries, including the big developing emitters, or the continuation of the two-track system for developed and developing countries.

SA faces the challenge of striking the balance between not promising 'big bang' outcomes, while still engaging with the major issues, said Yawitch.

“The political space we're coming into is very difficult, as 2012 is the year we have to decide on a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol. It's important that we're very realistic about what's possible. We mustn't build expectations too high, but not dumb them down either.”

One of the areas the Durban conference will have to address is setting out guidelines and modalities around the Green Climate Fund. The form aid from richer nations will take is a key consideration in developing countries' adaptation and mitigation plans.

“One of the big barriers to developing low-carbon processes in developing countries is very much linked to technology conditions and access to technology and intellectual property rights and patents at an affordable price,” explained Yawitch.
Another aspect of the country's role as host is its perception by the international community, which brings important business and development opportunities.

”Mexico used COP 16 to showcase the country in a really impressive way, regarding what Mexico is doing around climate change, environment, and sustainable development,” said Yawitch.

She added that SA will have to think seriously about how to showcase the country. “It's a huge networking opportunity that's coming, and a huge international platform for profiling the best of SA.”

She added, however, that people will also be looking for the “worst of SA” and that the nation, as energy-intensive country, will have to look very carefully at how it manages its profile. This will require serious discussion between government and all stakeholders involved, said Yawitch.

Down to business
Valerie Geen, director of climate and energy at the National Business Initiative, noted that business must be seen as a partner in climate negotiations, given that many of the solutions to climate change may rest at the door of business or involve it somehow.
Wendy Poulton, GM of corporate sustainability at Eskom, quoted an analogy used at one of the business side events at Cancun, comparing the negotiating process to the tortoise, and business to the hare. “The hare has to be forging ahead; do not wait for the international process.” She noted that while business was clearly concerned about the uncertainty issue, it also risked being left behind.

”Business is already doing a lot of things in technology transfer,” she added. “If you look at companies today, they transfer technology, they do research and development, and what we want from government is a process to incentivise that faster.”

The other development emerging from the Cancun business talks, said Poulton, was a very strong sense of more south-south co-operation and technology development between developing countries, such as South Korea, China and SA.

The DEA announced last week that it will conduct consultation workshops in various provinces to discuss the National Climate Change Response Green Paper.

The policy outlined in the Green Paper serves as the government's framework for meeting its commitment to help stabilise global greenhouse gas concentrations and to prevent the country from suffering the impacts of unavoidable climate change. It also presents the vision for the long-term transition to a low-carbon economy and society, says the DEA.

The first workshop was held on 17 January in the Western Cape and the final one is planned for 4 February in Gauteng.

Fred Goede, head of health and environment at Sasol, pointed out that many businesses are faced with the question of what they can do.

“It's important to get involved in the Durban side events and become part of the regulatory process. Join in the consulting process around the Green Paper on climate change, voice your issues and engage with the department.”

Rohitesh Dhawan, resources economist and sustainability adviser at KPMG, noted that one of messages emerging from the business events at Cancun was that “success in the green economy will be driven by business thorough government, not by government through business”.

He said it's pivotal to engage with the Green Paper and focus on green growth by identifying industries that tackle mitigation and adaptation, and create jobs. “Nationally appropriate mitigation actions within the private sector play an important role. Neither the private nor public sector have truly grasped the opportunities.”

http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40371:sa-must-set-green-pace&catid=69

romanSA

January 26th, 2011, 11:37 PM

City has put out a tender to manage ALL conference / meeting / accommodation related to COP 17. At least they're starting early. This is a massive undertaking and I don't envy the successful applicant...

---------

COP17-CMP7 Accommodation/Room Booking Services
21 January, 2011

The Strategic Projects Unit of the eThekwini Municipality (hereafter referred to as the ‘City’) are looking to appoint a suitably qualified Destination Management Company, Professional Conference Organiser or Tourism Accommodation Booking Agency (referred to in this document as the ‘Service Provider’) to organize, manage and coordinate all conference accommodation/meeting venues bookings relating to the COP 17 / CMP 7 conference on behalf of the city.

http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/government/scm/news/cop17-cmp7-accommodation-room-booking-services/view

romanSA

January 27th, 2011, 10:52 AM

Finally some news on the city's preparation for COP 17, and government again confirming why Durban was selected ahead of CT and JhB...

-----------------

Durban prepares for climate conference
Jan 26, 2011 1:22 PM | By Sapa

More than 10,000 rooms for visitors have been "blocked" in Durban for the United Nations' Climate Change COP17 conference, to be held in the city at the end of this year, an official said on Wednesday.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/multimedia/dynamic/01031/Durban_1031197b.jpg
SHORE THING: The beachfront in Durban, one of South Africa's three major tourist destinations
Photograph by: Sunday Times

Briefing Parliament's environmental affairs portfolio committee, environmental affairs deputy director-general Joanne Yawitch told MPs that the coastal city was ideally suited to cater for the large numbers of foreign dignitaries the international event would attract.

"Durban was identified as the host city largely because it has the biggest [convention] facility in the country... enabling us to hold the conference in one place.

"[The city] has, through its convention bureau, blocked over 10,000 rooms, and the tenders have gone out... in order to appoint someone to manage the accommodation," she said.

The first meeting of a logistics committee would be held early next month, as well as meetings in Durban to discuss "issues related to finance".

A UN delegation was set to visit South Africa in mid-February to discuss "issues related to the logistics" of managing the event.

The legacy of last year's Soccer World Cup "puts us at quite an advantage", Yawitch said.

A lot of work had been done already around setting up broadband infrastructure and facilities for the media.

"This will make the job of the people organising the conference quite a lot easier."

Last year's climate conference, COP16 in Cancun, Mexico, had been used by the Mexicans as an opportunity to "showcase" their country.

It was important South African did the same, she said. A series of stakeholder meeting would be held in this regard.

COP17 will take place in Durban's International Convention Centre from November 28 to December 9.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/scitech/article874613.ece/Durban-prepares-for-climate-conference

romanSA

February 2nd, 2011, 05:50 PM

Most of this money will make a direct positive impact on the city's economy (accom, transport companies, security, etc)...

---------------

SA faces big bill, big tests as climate talks head for Durban

By: Christy van der Merwe
2nd February 2011

The tab for South Africa’s hosting of the seventeenth conference of the parties (COP17) climate change talks in Durban later this year could be more than R320-million, Environmental Affairs DDG Joanne Yawitch revealed on Wednesday. But she added that the country was planning to organise a “lean and mean” event and would also seek to raise outside funding for the event.

The National Treasury would be making an allocation towards the operation of COP17, although the size of that contribution was yet to be determined. The budget would have to cover items such as domestic logistics, the hiring of the convention centre, security and visas, as well as catering.

A COP17 logistics committee was scheduled to meet for the first time on Thursday, February 3, and representatives from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) would be visiting Durban later in the month.

A person at chief director level in the DEA had been appointed to oversee logistical arrangements. But Yawitch stressed that the conference would require collaboration between government departments, as well as including input from vital stakeholders such as the South African Police Service and the eThekwini municipal authorities.

“If everyone doesn’t pull together, it [COP17] isn’t going to happen,” she asserted.

To close the anticipated funding gap she said that the organisers would turn to a range of entities, including the UNFCCC, business and nongovernmental organisations. She stressed that nonfinancial support would also be sought in a bid to secure a definite outcome from Durban.

A COP17 Website was expected to be set up by March, and the City of Durban would also display information on the conference on its Website.

The selection of the COP17 president would be made soon, but would need to be considered by Cabinet and approved by President Jacob Zuma. It was likely that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change, which was scheduled to meet soon, would offer a recommendation in this regard.

Expectations would also have also have to be managed, with the recent COP16 in Cancun, Mexico having kept expectations for a global legally binding agreement on climate change far lower than had been the case with the disappointing COP15 gathering in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2009.

To strike the correct balance, South Africa would work with other countries, including Bolivia, which was the only nation of the 195 member States of the UNFCCC not to accept the agreement that was reached in Cancun.

Expectations were likely to be high leading up to the Durban meeting, primarily because the first commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012, and the world is looking for clarity on the future framework under which emissions-reduction will take place.

It is as yet unclear whether there would be a second legally-binding commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol, or whether an entirely new treaty would be established. Also possible is the emergence of a non-legally binding treaty.

One of the major issues haunting the negotiations was the changing political dynamics between member States. The US was unlikely to advance its position, owing to domestic politics, while countries such as China would not take on obligations until the US showed its hand.

Edited by: Mariaan Webb

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/sa-faces-big-bill-big-tests-as-climate-talks-head-for-durban-2011-02-02

Mo Rush

February 18th, 2011, 12:48 PM

Mo Rush

February 18th, 2011, 12:56 PM

Progress Report: COP 17, Durban 2011

Budget
2010: R4 million approved
2011: R107 not approved due to current shortfall
- Current negotiations between various funding sources, including province heads, government departments, events agencies and companies

Meeting with donors completed February 2010. Much improved funding outlook.

Finalization of the Host City contribution, initially below R73m, then raised to R75m, subject to a MOU or Agreement with the Department of Environmental Affairs

Logistics

- Government Climate Change Structures formed and set to meet February 2011
- Central accommodation booking system challenges and solutions proposed. Relevant tenders to be opened.
- Site visit by UN mid February 2011
- 5 March 2011: Tender deadline for conference organizer(s)

Content

- No progress on content planning and management. Dependent on COP 16 mandate
- Timeframe of 3 months for consultations with various nations to identify key issues and areas for negotation. Extensive consultations to increase budget.
- Envoy process behind schedule and not appointed by Cabinet
- COP President not appointed, (will give direction and structure to negotiations)

joshjordaan

February 18th, 2011, 01:36 PM

check out gaiaspower.com interesting website regarding green energy from waves

Mo Rush

February 21st, 2011, 03:23 PM

Mo Rush

February 25th, 2011, 12:57 PM

Local Climate Solutions for Africa 2011
Cape Town
27 February - 3 March

This event will be used as precursor to COP 17 for several African and international organizations. Currently looking through document and COP 17 will of course feature in several areas which I'll post soon.

Unsure as to which part of COP17 budget is allocated to this event but it seems as if full cost likely to be borne by City of Cape Town.

DAY 2

The Climate Roadmap: From Copenhagen to Cancun to Durban: COP15 - COP16 - COP17:

• Mexico UNFCCC COP16 outcomes and preparation towards the COP17 in South Africa

[B]Keynote speakers include :

o SA Ministry of Environmental Affairs
o Mayor of Ethekwini Municipality, South Africa
o Kumi Naidoo: Executive Director, Greenpeace International (tbc)
• The Local Government Climate Roadmap (ICLEI- Local governments for Sustainability and United Cities and Local Governments, UCLG)

DAY 5
[B]
Facilitator: Tasneem Essop, Tasneem Essop, International Climate Policy Advocate, WWF-SA(tbc)

• Presentation of the Congress Declaration: Mayor of EThekwini Municipality, South Africa
• Facilitated discussion formulating the Congress Dedaration
• Announcements
• Congress closure: IClEI - local Governments for Sustainability

Mo Rush

March 18th, 2011, 09:04 PM

United Nations World Water Day Conference
Cape Town 2011
CTICC

The next event on the road to COP 17 in Durban is the UN World Water Day Conference from 20-22 March 2011 in Cape Town.

I am fortunate enough to be attending this conference and in particular, the following panel will be relevant and will aim to set the scene for water at COP 17. The invitation came from the World Bank so I assume that they are hosting this session or sponsoring it.

High-Level Panel
Developing a Roadmap for Water toward COP17

Date: Monday, March 21, 2011
Venue: Main Convention Hall, Rooms: 2.63- 2.66
4:00 – 5:30 pm

Opening Remarks by Hon. Edna Molewa Anders Berntell
Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs of South Africa

Panel:
Hon. Samuel Sipepa Nkomo - Minister of Water Resources Development
and Management, Zimbabwe
Hon. Mamadou Igor Diarra, Minister of Energy and Water, Mali
Hon. Michael Ngako Tomdio, Minister of Energy & Water, Cameroon
Hon. Abdul Magid Al Gaoud - Minister of Agriculture, Marine and Animal
Wealth, Libya
Prof. Mark Mwandosya, Minister of Water and Irrigation, Tanzania
Hon. John Mutorwa. Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Namibia
Hon. Monyane Moleleki. Minister of Natural Resources, Lesotho
Julia Bucknall, Sector Manager for Water, Sustainable Development
Network, World Bank
John Matthews, Director of Freshwater Climate Change, Conservation
International

dysan1

May 6th, 2011, 12:57 PM

Cop17 to inject R1b into Durban

06 May 2011 - 09:02
By Judith Subban

Durban business owners can look forward to a projected cash injection of nearly R1-billion as a result of the city hosting the 17th Conference of Parties Summit - known as the Cop17 - later this year.

We've been speaking to head of Durban Tourism, Philip Sithole, following the media launch of this year's Tourism Indaba yesterday.

Sithole says more than 20 000 delegates from across the world are expected to visit the city to attend the highly-anticipated climate change talks in November.

As a result, he says the tourism spin off for Durban - during the almost two-week long summit - is estimated to provide R1-billion boost to the economy.

Sithole says in preparation, they're busy meeting with the hospitality sector.

"We are trying to make sure that accommodation is affordable so the strategic projects units - which is responsible for Cop17 - has been negotiating with the hoteliers in terms of the accommodation."

Sithole says with Durban hosting the Tourism Indaba this weekend, the International Olympic Committee meeting in July and the COP17 summit in November - the city's proving an attractive choice for international events.

"When South Africa, as a country, bid for big events they know that Durban will be able to host the so called biggest events. We've proven ourselves during the World Cup, we've proven ourselves in most of the events that have taken place."

http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-news?oid=1175301&sn=Detail&pid=490476&Cop17-to-inject-R1b-into-Durban

Mo Rush

May 6th, 2011, 06:50 PM

Still negotiating with accommodation. Eesh.

dysan1

May 6th, 2011, 10:59 PM

Anything else u wanna add?? People can plan there own stuff, for events like this they do.

Mo Rush

May 7th, 2011, 01:14 PM

I should have been clearer, was referring to the COP17 accommodation agreement, not general accommodation. CT had the benefit of the database through CTICC to do mass bookings more easily, Durban didn't but it seems to have been resolved, or perhaps a similar system has already been setup for future events too. It seems negotiatins are ongoing.

romanSA

May 26th, 2011, 03:33 PM

Brazil, SA, India and China climate meeting under way in Durban
By: Christy van der Merwe
26th May 2011

Climate change experts and negotiators from Brazil, South Africa, India and China, the ‘Basic’ grouping, are meeting in Durban over the next two days, to discuss a common negotiating position for the 17th conference of the parties (COP17) in December.

The meeting would be followed by a Ministerial meeting on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29, which would be attended by Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, Chinese National Development and Reform vice-Minister Xie Zhenhua, Indian Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh, and Brazilian Environment Ministry executive secretary Francisco Gaetani.

This would be the second Basic meeting since COP16 was held in Cancün, Mexico, in December 2010. The first was held in India in February.

The Department of Environmental Affairs said that the Basic meeting sought to build on the discussions of the February meeting and inform the countries’ strategy for forthcoming United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meetings, and other strategic meetings such as those of the Major Economies Forum.

The next UNFCCC conference was scheduled for June 6 to June 17, in Bonn, Germany, where negotiators would discuss progress towards the Durban COP17 meeting from November 29 to December 9.

South Africa was also a part of the Africa Grouping at climate change negotiations, and it was unclear whether or not these negotiating parties would have conflicting views.

Edited by: Mariaan Webb

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/brazil-sa-india-and-china-climate-meeting-under-way-in-durban-2011-05-26

Mo Rush

June 9th, 2011, 11:05 PM

Just got the latest progress report. Will read tomorow and post summary.

romanSA

June 23rd, 2011, 08:50 AM

R200m for climate talks
Thu, 23 Jun 2011 7:36

South Africa has been given R200-million towards hosting the UN Climate Change conference in Durban later this year, the Deputy Minister for Environmental Affairs Rejoice Mabudafhasi said on Wednesday.

"There are many other parties also assisting but mainly the UN [United Nations]. R200-million has been transferred by the UN and is with Dirco [department of international relations] not us," she told media in Pretoria via a video link from Cape Town.

A UN climate change conference in Bonn, Germany, held last week had concluded with "encouraging signs of progress", she said.

Countries had provided more clarity on the approaches to be taken to enable "ambitious actions" to address climate change in the build-up to the Durban conference in November.

"South Africa would like to encourage parties to further intensify efforts to finalise decisions on the large number of elements that will make up an ambitious, comprehensive and balanced outcome in Durban," she said.

Another session would be organised for September to iron out other issues.

Meanwhile, a South African negotiating team under Minister Edna Molewa, would speak to local parties about developing a national position and policy.

The 17th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 17) would be held in Durban from November 28 to December 9 to find a binding long-term plan on combating climate change.

It would replace the Kyoto Protocol, which is set to end next year.

http://business.iafrica.com/news/736524.html

romanSA

June 23rd, 2011, 09:06 AM

Looks like the UN put up most of the R200m...

--------------------

South Africa upbeat about UN climate change talks
09:09, June 23, 2011

South Africa is optimistic about the United Nations climate change conference which will be held in Durban later this year, the country's deputy minister for environmental affairs Rejoice Mabudafhasi said on Wednesday.

According to the South African Press Association (SAPA), she said the United Nations has given South Africa 200 million rands (29.55 million U.S. dollars) towards hosting the 17th UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 17) in Durban.

She said many other parties are also assisting but the main boost came from the United Nations which has transferred the 200 million rands to South Africa's department of international relations.

She was addressing media in Pretoria via a video link from Cape Town.

Mabudafhasi added that a UN climate change conference in Bonn, Germany, last week had concluded with "encouraging signs of progress".

At that meeting countries had provided more clarity on the approaches to be taken to enable "ambitious actions" to address climate change in the build-up to the Durban conference.

She said South Africa would like to encourage parties to further intensify efforts to finalize decisions on the large number of elements that will make up an ambitious, comprehensive and balanced outcome in Durban.

In September another session will be organized to iron out other issues, she said.

SAPA also reported that a South African negotiating team led by South African minister for environmental affairs minister Edna Molewa would speak to South African parties about developing a national position and policy.

COP17 will seek to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which is set to end next year, with a binding long-term plan on combating climate change.

Source:Xinhua

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90855/7418077.html

romanSA

June 23rd, 2011, 09:09 AM

Treasury sets aside R200m for hosting of climate change meeting

By: Christy van der Merwe
22nd June 2011

South Africa’s National Treasury has contributed R200-million towards the hosting of the 17th conference of the parties (COP 17) on climate change, in Durban from November 28 to December 9.

Water and Environmental Affairs Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi said that the money would be transferred to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, which would be responsible for the logistical arrangements of the conference.

She noted that the conference was a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change initiative, and beyond National Treasury’s allocation, was supported financially by numerous other funders.

Previously, an official from the Department of Environmental Affairs said that the cost of hosting the conference could be more than R320-million, but added that South Africa was planning a “lean and mean” COP, and would raise funding from external sources.

The National Treasury’s allocation would go towards the operation of COP 17, and would cover items such as domestic logistics, the hiring of the convention centre, security and visas, as well as catering.

The City of Durban told Engineering News Online organisation of the event was under way, and that a committee was set up in April to focus on space planning, transport, accommodation, information communication technology and safety and security of COP 17 delegates.

Up to 40 000 delegates, including heads of State, government officials, academics, professionals and other major stakeholders are expected to attend the conference.

The City of Durban said that the Conference Company has been appointed to handle the coordination of the event.

Edited by: Mariaan Webb

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/treasury-sets-aside-r200m-for-hosting-of-climate-change-meeting-2011-06-22

dysan1

June 23rd, 2011, 11:42 AM

with all the big events on the go its easy to forget that this one, the biggest of them all, is still to come.

Mo Rush

June 23rd, 2011, 01:36 PM

No mention of the Expo yet. Thought announcement was imminent. World Cup has helped tons with logistics. Good use of entire site, with some improvements from the bid document.

Massive event!

Mo Rush

June 23rd, 2011, 02:16 PM

Climate Change Expo

- Hosted by the Department of the Environmental Affairs, and Durban, outside of the scope of the COP 17 Event under UN control/secure zones.
Aims:
- provide a vehicle to effectively accommodate the
growing number of offers of support and interest in
some sort of involvement by a wide range of
stakeholders and
- effectively exploit the awareness-raising and showcasing
opportunities presented by this high-profile
international event.

By the close of the COP 17 SA Climate Change Response Expo, the outreach, awareness-raising, educational, show-casing and climate change
response project profiling/pitching opportunities presented by the COP are fully exploited through, in part, the focussing of the energies and resources of all interested actors.

Venue: Centrum Site Adjacent to the planned Transport Hub.

romanSA

June 29th, 2011, 08:33 AM

A chance to air SA’s capabilities
Busa says business is keenly awaits the release of government’s plan on the UN’s climate change talks.
SUE BLAINE

Published:2011/06/28 07:00:18 AM

BUSINESS was keenly awaiting the expected release next month of the government’s plan to use this year’s United Nations climate-change talks in Durban to showcase the country and local business, Business Unity SA (Busa) energy committee member Loraine Lotter said yesterday.

As with last year’s Soccer World Cup, SA has a chance to show the world its capabilities when it hosts this year’s 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations.

"I think July will be the month of (the run-up to COP 17) picking up quite substantially," Ms Lotter said.

"For one, government is to announce its actual plans for showcasing SA (at the conference).

"Now it is only known in broad brush strokes."

Busa, the National Business Initiative and the CEOs of some of SA’s largest businesses are working on ways to ensure business makes the most of SA’s hosting of the talks, including how business can help "Team SA" run a technically competent COP, National Business Initiative CEO Joanne Yawitch said.

In addition to taking advantage of the limited opportunities to address some of the COP open sessions — the talks are generally government-to- government and not open to outside involvement — the National Business Initiative and Busa are planning events over the next six months.

This will include a "pavilion" at the COP where local business will be able to present its climate-change activities and events, allowing for discussion on key issues for SA such as water availability, changes to financial risks and finance.

"There is an increasing international recognition that business and civil society have a lot to contribute (in the processes chosen to mitigate climate change). Certainly climate (change mitigation) finance will come from the private sector. Business is a key stakeholder," Ms Yawitch said.

SA is under greater international scrutiny than many other developing countries after making a voluntary emissions reduction pledge at the 2009 Copenhagen talks to lower its greenhouse gas emissions by 34% from business as usual before 2020, and 42% by 2025, subject to financial and other help.

While many did not believe a legally binding second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol would be secured at the Durban talks, lesser agreements with substantial impact on the business world were likely to be reached, Ms Lotter said .

The 1997 protocol started international collaboration on stabilising greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Its first commitment period ends on December 31 next year, giving the world one last chance, after the Durban talks, to secure a second commitment.

Business was hoping for a clear set of rules for the financial mechanisms to fund mitigation activities, and a clear set of rules on how mitigation activities were measured and verified, Ms Lotter said.

blaines@bdfm.co.za

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=146982

Mo Rush

July 28th, 2011, 12:55 PM

The Strategic Projects department presented several of the COP17 details in a set of presentations, during Council.

It looks amazing, with greater synergies between cities, and great use of the entire ICC site. Other initiatives are the early concepts for the Green Walk.

A great series of lead up events in Durban and Cape Town, through the joint tourism marketing agreement includes GLOBE Cape Town Legislators Forum during COP17.

It will see legislators from the G8 +5 and international media.

romanSA

August 2nd, 2011, 05:15 PM

Durban ready for COP-17
02 August 2011 - 15:45
Author: ECR Newswatch

It's all systems go for the upcoming UN climate change talks set to take place in Durban later this year.

The ministers for International Relations and Environmental Affairs say the city is ready to host the largest conference to be held on the African continent.

They have been briefing the media in Pretoria today on preparations for COP-17.

Recent reports mentioned "hiccups" in planning for the conference, suggesting the two departments weren't seeing eye to eye.

However, both ministers have made it clear that all plans are on track, and that arrangements may even be ahead of schedule.

Environmental Affairs Minister, Edna Molewa, says Durban is the perfect city to convey the message of taking a pro-active stance against climate change.

"For South Africa, taking meaningful climate action is about seizing the opportunity to build international competitiveness, new economic infrastructure, sectors and activity, create prosperity and jobs, transform the economy and society and to reduce poverty, but more importantly also to improve the health and quality of the life of our people, and all our people - we dare say."

http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-mobile-news?oid=1310838&sn=Mobile+news+detail&pid=171901

romanSA

August 2nd, 2011, 05:16 PM

Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System
Date: 02 Aug 2011

itle: All systems go for COP 17 - govt
By Chris Bathembu

Pretoria - With just a few months left before the UN climate change summit in Durban, the South African government has moved to quell scepticism around the state of preparedness for the event, with Cabinet ministers on Tuesday saying the country was in fact ahead.

Speaking after an Inter-Ministerial Committee meeting in Tshwane, Water Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, who will be leading the country's delegation to the talks, said government had done a lot of work to date to prepare for the world's biggest climate talks.

South Africa is party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and is scheduled to host the climate summit from 28 November to 9 December this year.

After both the Copenhagen and Cancun discussions failed to produce a legally binding climate treaty, delegates to the Durban talks are under immense pressure to produce some kind of deal that will be acceptable to both rich and developing nations.

Added to this challenge is the fact that next year marks the expiry of the Kyoto Protocol, which binds nations to measurable mitigation and adaptation plans.

On Tuesday, Molewa acknowledged that a lot of work was needed to ensure successful talks in December.

"We have outlined our preparations and we think we are on course and we don't want South Africa to be the death of the Kyoto Protocol, but we need an African voice to achieve all of this," she said.

She said preparations in South Africa for the conference included the finalisation of a lobbying document, which is expected to be taken to Cabinet by October. The document will guide negotiators to ensure representation of developing nations led by Africa as continent.

There will also be a series of public outreach programmes that aim at creating awareness among South Africans on issues of global warming.

"If there's anything we can bestow as a legacy to the people of South Africa beyond this conference is the knowledge. We made a call in April for a South African team to lead the talks towards the conference and we can say that we have received a lot of interest from government departments who are willing to make this an African COP 17," said Molewa.

Climate change was one of the greatest threats facing the world and it was important for Durban to produce a "balanced agreement". South Africa was committed to support a common African deal and prepared to speak with one voice, she added.

The State recognised that South Africa was still a developing nation and as it deals with carbon emissions, it needed to still address development needs to deal with poverty and unemployment.

South Africa plans to cut emission by 34% by 2020 through the introduction of alternative energy sources.

"We have identified all sectors that will have to come on board ... our solar energy is in place and on a massive scale, wind energy is rolling out and we are on course," said Molewa.

International Relations Minister and incoming COP President, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, said in its preparations for the event, South Africa had been working very closely with Mexico, which is the current President.

"The recent expression of unease with progress in the media has become part and parcel of the larger negotiating environment and happened also with previous COPs held in various parts of the world," she said.

Nkoana-Mashabane said South Africa had "every intention" to use all opportunities to advance the COP 17 process to ensure that Durban was a success.

But negotiators could not "profess" as to what would be the outcome on 9 December.

"What we can commit to is that the conference should be transparent and balanced so that we can have a satisfying outcome. We are continuing to listen and we are continuing to engage," said the minister.

David Brown, CEO at Impala Group, said the business sector and captains of industry were ready to support South Africa's response to climate change.

"We want to give our assurance here today that we will be behind the government every step of the way... We will do this by participating in all discussions as Team South Africa to ensure a proactive business mitigation and adaptation strategy and the strategy of COP 17," Brown said.

He is among the group of 40 CEOs represented in the CEOs Forum, a structure that will be representing industry leaders in the talks. - BuaNews

http://www.buanews.gov.za/news/11/11080214151001

romanSA

August 3rd, 2011, 06:09 PM

August 03, 2011 15:24 PM

South Africa Ahead Of Schedule In Preparations For Climate Change Summit

PRETORIA, Aug 3 (BERNAMA-NNN-BUANEWS) -- With less than four months left before the United Nations climate change summit opens in Durban, the South African government has moved to quell scepticism around the state of preparedness for the event, with Cabinet ministers saying the country is in fact ahead of schedule.

Speaking after an Inter-Ministerial Committee meeting in Tshwane, near here, Tuesday, Water Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, who will be leading the country's delegation to the talks, said the government had done a lot of work to date to prepare for the world's biggest climate change talks.

South Africa is party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and is scheduled to host the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17) of the UNFCCC from Nov 28 to Dec 9, this year.

After both the Copenhagen and Cancun summits failed to produce a legally binding climate treaty, delegates to the Durban talks are under immense pressure to produce some kind of deal which will be acceptable to both developed and developing nations.

Added to this challenge is the fact that next year marks the expiry of the Kyoto Protocol, which binds nations to measurable mitigation and adaptation plans.

On Tuesday, Molewa acknowledged that a lot of work was needed to ensure a successful summit at Durban.

"We have outlined our preparations and we think we are on course and we don't want South Africa to be the death of the Kyoto Protocol, but we need an African voice to achieve all of this," she said.

She said preparations in South Africa for the conference included the finalisation of a lobbying document, which is expected to be taken to the Cabinet by October.

The document will guide negotiators to ensure representation of developing nations, led by Africa.

There will also be a series of public outreach programmes aimed at creating awareness among South Africans on issues of global warming.

"If there's anything we can bestow as a legacy to the people of South Africa beyond this conference is the knowledge." the minister said.

"We made a call in April for a South African team to lead the talks towards the conference and we can say that we have received a lot of interest from government departments who are willing to make this an African COP 17."

Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing the world and it is important for Durban to produce a "balanced agreement".

South Africa is committed to support a common African deal and prepared to speak with one voice, she added.

The State recognized that South Africa was still a developing nation and as it dealt with carbon emissions, it needed to still address development needs to deal with poverty and unemployment.

South Africa plans to cut emission by 34 per cent by 2020 through the introduction of alternative energy sources.

"We have identified all sectors that will have to come on board ... our solar energy is in place and on a massive scale, wind energy is rolling out and we are on course," said Molewa.

International Relations Minister and incoming COP President Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said in its preparations for the event, South Africa had been working very closely with Mexico, which is the current president.

"The recent expression of unease with progress in the media has become part and parcel of the larger negotiating environment and happened also with previous COPs held in various parts of the world," she said.

Nkoana-Mashabane said South Africa had "every intention" to use all opportunities to advance the COP 17 process to ensure that Durban was a success. But negotiators could not "profess" as to what would be the outcome on Dec 9.

"What we can commit to is that the conference should be transparent and balanced so that we can have a satisfying outcome. We are continuing to listen and we are continuing to engage," said the minister.

David Brown, the chief executive officer of South African tourism and hospitality company Impala Group, said the business sector and captains of industry were ready to support South Africa's response to climate change.

"We want to give our assurance here today that we will be behind the government every step of the way... We will do this by participating in all discussions as Team South Africa to ensure a proactive business mitigation and adaptation strategy and the strategy of COP 17," Brown said.

He is among the group of 40 CEOs represented in the CEOs Forum, a structure that will be representing industry leaders in the talks.

-- BERNAMA-NNN-BUANEWS

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsworld.php?id=605731

romanSA

August 3rd, 2011, 06:09 PM

Environmental Affairs, Dirco: We're on track for COP17. And we're not fighting

There’ve been whispers of a major rift between the departments of environmental affairs and international relations and cooperation over who will take the reins for the preparation of the COP17 conference, in Durban at the end of the year. At a press conference in Pretoria, both respective ministers pooh-poohed the rumours.

By SIPHO HLONGWANE.

The Mail & Guardian recently ran a piece that alleged that there was friction between Edna Molewa, the minister for environmental affairs and her counterpart at international relations and cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane over who would be in charge of what in preparation for the 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The tension was reportedly causing delays in preparations.

At a press conference in the Dirco headquarters in Pretoria, both ministers said the idea of a turf war between them was silly. “In South African vocabulary, there is no such thing as a turf war,” Nkoana-Mashabane said. “There is one president of COP17, and she is Maile Nkoana-Mashabane. And there is one leader of the South African delegation to COP17, which is the environmental minister. South Africa is on track for COP17, if not ahead of schedule.”

According to her, a communications plan for the event was ready for rolling out, the booking of accommodation, transport and security was all but done and the venues for the conference were almost ready.

“Expectations about what South Africa can achieve are very high,” she said and went on to explain that the world was very interested in South Africa’s well-being, since it had played such a key role in shaping it in the first place. You won’t often hear a ranking ANC member put the international intervention against apartheid on such a high pedestal.

International protocol dictates the DEA needs to handle the contents of the conference, and Dirco the logistics. Nkoana-Mashabane said the designation of duties between the two departments meant exactly that – her department would deal with organising the conference and running it, while the DEA would formulate South Africa’s policy positions and head the delegation to the conference.

Molewa repeated the point, saying the roles between the two departments were very clear and talk of a turf war was mistaken. The countries attending COP17 had looked at preparations and were satisfied South Africa was ready, she said. “South Africa is not a country that will carry itself with arrogance. We will listen. The whole world is convinced that yes, we are on track”.

As delegation leader environmental affairs must develop South Africa’s negotiating position, coordinate and implement COP17 legacy projects and run the public climate change outreach and mobilisation programme.

Nkoana-Mashabane said one of the key aspects of the Durban conference would be a determination on the second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol. Durban is the last stop before certain key aspects of the old climate change global deal expire, and it would be a major plus for the foreign minister if a concrete deal was reached in Durban.

As part of South Africa’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, it would implement “nationally appropriate mitigation actions” which would result in a reduction of emissions by 34% relative to the current trajectory by 2020, and 45% by 2025. The construction of two huge coal power stations had been factored into those calculations, Molewa said.

The departments are both eager to put on a good show during COP17 – in some circles this conference will be a bigger deal than the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The event will gather many of the world’s top leaders for a big environmental bun fight. Though the Durban conference won’t be as spectacular as the 2009 Copenhagen conference, where presidents bickered rather more energetically than usual over carbon emissions and the like to replace the expiring Kyoto Protocol, it still wouldn’t look good if Dirco and the DEA stuffed it up. DM

http://www.thedailymaverick.co.za/article/2011-08-03-environmental-affairs-dirco-were-on-track-for-cop17-and-were-not-fighting

romanSA

August 3rd, 2011, 06:17 PM

Cabinet to consider SA’s COP 17 negotiation stance in Oct
By: Tracy Hancock
2nd August 2011

Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa reported on Tuesday that South Africa’s negotiating position for the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change conference of the parties, or COP 17, would be submitted for Cabinet approval in October.

This is one of three key priorities the South African delegation is focusing on in the build-up to the gathering, which will be held in Durban between November 28 and December 9, Molewa said at a media briefing, in Pretoria.

The other priorities were the coordination and implementation of projects that would offset the impacts of the event itself and to create projects that could leave a lasting COP 17 legacy, as well as the Public Climate Change Outreach and Mobilisation programme, which aimed to engage all South Africans on the concept of climate change.

“If there is any legacy we can bestow on our people from this conference, it is the power of knowledge,” said Molewa, who is the leader of the South African delegation to COP 17.

South Africa had already committed to implementing nationally appropriate mitigation actions, which could result in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 34%, relative to its business as usual trajectory, by 2020, and by 42%, by 2025, in line with the Kyoto Protocol. However, the extent to which this commitment was implemented would depend on the finance, technology and capacity building support extended by developed countries.

The incoming president-designate of COP 17, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, said South Africa was on track to host the UN conference, with the inter-Ministerial COP 17 committee working closely with the UN to ensure that the conference meets all the organisations’ requirements.

“To achieve a balanced outcome, South Africa requires the operationalisation of the Cancun agreement and commitment to tackle unfinished business concerning the Bali Action Plan,” noted Nkoana-Mashabane.

To ensure that the conference was a success, she said South Africa, together with outgoing COP president, Mexico, was arranging a ‘Leaders’ Dialogue’ on climate change, to be held on the margins of the sixty-sixth session of the UN General Assembly, which will open at the UN Headquarters, in New York, on September 13.

“President Jacob Zuma and Mexican President Felipe Calderón have invited about 20 heads of state to participate in the dialogue, on September 20, in New York,” concluded Nkoana-Mashabane.

Edited by: Terence Creamer

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/cabinet-to-consider-sas-cop-17-negotiation-stance-in-oct-2011-08-02

romanSA

August 16th, 2011, 09:24 AM

Durban Impresses UN Team

15 August, 2011

A United Nations delegation has declared itself impressed with Durban’s readiness for the 17th UN Framework Convention on Climate Change conference after a visit to the city recently. UN Coordinator Salwa Dallalah said she was impressed with the arrangements so far and congratulated the country and city on their readiness. “The organisation of the conference is moving well and we are on target to host a well organised conference,” she said. Strategic Projects Unit Head Julie-May Ellingson said the Municipality has a good working relationship with the UN and government departments which was critical for the success of the event.

She was confident of the city’s ability to host the conference successfully, pointing to Durban’s track record with other big events, including the World Cup. Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesman Clayson Monyela said more than 2600 booking had already been made for the conference and that transport, security and other logistical arrangements were at an advanced stage. “South Africa would like to see a credible outcome to the conference that is inclusive,” Monyela said. The conference will be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthili International Convention Centre from 28 November to 9 December.

http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/government/city-government-news/durban-impresses-un-team/view

romanSA

August 17th, 2011, 04:43 PM

Durban ready for mega event
August 17 2011 at 01:30pm

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/nt-beach-2a-1.1102613!/image/464786529.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/464786529.jpg
INLSA

Sipho Khumalo

sipho.khumalo@inl.co.za

Accommodation issues have been resolved and Durban is ready for the UN climate change conference, the biggest conference to take place in Africa, according to eThekwini municipal manager Michael Sutcliffe.

Briefing the municipality’s executive committee yesterday, Sutcliffe said everything was under control, with most of the delegates to be accommodated within 45 minutes of the ICC, where the conference would be held.

The 17th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will take place in Durban from November 28 to December 9. At least 25 000 people from nearly 200 countries are expected to jet in to Durban for the conference, including thousands of journalists.

However, Sutcliffe warned that, with environmental activists descending on the the conference, the municipality was also preparing itself for a “worst-case scenario”.

He noted that Greenpeace activists had dumped three trucks of coal in front of the headquarters of Eskom in Joburg in June to protest against what they called its lack of commitment to green energy.

Sutcliffe said that, while the event’s host was the Department of International Relations and Co-operation, the city had critical duties to perform for the duration of the event. These included the provision of safety and security services during the event, the organisation and provision of outside events (those taking place outside the ICC), the supply of volunteers, preparing the venue, providing assistance to other city sites, and facilitating the booking of accommodation.

He said with thousands of journalists filing their stories from Durban, this was likely to provide a huge marketing platform for the city.

“There will be a lot of benefit to the city. Durban will become a centre of focus during the event, and there will be a lot of exposure for the city. The event will also give the city an opportunity to showcase its organisational and infrastructural capabilities,” said Sutcliffe.

To maximise the publicity and marketing opportunities that would accrue to the city for holding such an international event, Sutcliffe said a strategy was being put together to promote the city during the event.

Greening

Among others, the city was preparing monthly newsletters on greening issues and preparations, preparing methods for communicating and educating Durban citizens on greening issues.

The city would also use the event to show off Durban’s greening initiatives.

Sutcliffe warned, however, that if more heads of state decided to descend on Durban the city was likely to become “locked down”, saying in such cases the “city does not move”.

He said the host venues, which included the ICC, the Durban Exhibition Centre and the Hilton Hotel, would be handed over to the UN closer to the day of the event, and would thereby become no-go zones to those not accredited.

Most members of the executive committee were confident that, given the World Cup experience, the city would be able to cope with this event.

http://www.iol.co.za/themercury/durban-ready-for-mega-event-1.1119656

ToxicBunny

August 19th, 2011, 08:01 PM

Something I heard this morning, and I think its a great initiative...

East Coast Radio will be having weekly little sessions on COP 17 on the Breakfast Stack at about 8:20 on Tuesday mornings iirc....

GregPz

August 20th, 2011, 04:07 PM

I see CNN is running a series called "Road to Durban". Saw it here on TV in Cambodia. Great global coverage!

Mo Rush

August 20th, 2011, 11:59 PM

I see CNN is running a series called "Road to Durban". Saw it here on TV in Cambodia. Great global coverage!

Yes! Looks amazing, but need to add actual images of Durban, but that will come.

Good week for RSA cities on CNN.

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/images/07/15/banner.road.to.durban.jpg

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/road.to.durban/

(CNN) -- The Road to Durban is a 30-minute monthly show that explores the cities making strides in reducing their carbon footprint.

Beginning in the United Kingdom, CNN will take viewers to urban centers in Germany, Turkey and Kenya -- before heading to Durban, South Africa for the 17th session of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) in December.

Along the way, a team of experts will examine the planning, environmental and sustainability issues facing today's cities, as well as the green initiatives being developed to tackle them.
After Durban, the show will be heading to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates to continue the journey.

Watch Road to Durban: A Green City Journey in August at the following times:
Wednesday 17 August: 0730, 1730
Saturday 20 August: 0730, 1230, 1830
Sunday 21 August: 0430, 1630
Monday 22 August: 0330

romanSA

August 26th, 2011, 07:41 AM

Cross-post from Durban tourism thread...

---------------

Looks like some hotels have STILL not learned the lesson that you don't use captive audience opportunities to exploit customers...

--------------

Milking the COP17 cash cow
YOLANDI GROENEWALD - Aug 26 2011 00:00

Hotels and guesthouses in Durban are out to make a killing from the United Nation's climate change conference, COP17, which is taking place in the city in late November. Some establishments have more than doubled their tariffs for the two-week period.

A Mail & Guardian survey this week established that the five-star Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga is charging R10 250 a night for the cheapest room on its official accommodation list, or R3 250 per person. The usual rate for the hotel's cheapest room for non-South Africans in November is R3 950 a night.

The Holiday Inn Express in Umhlanga is charging R1 628, compared with its normal November room rate of R950. City Lodge's rates have been increased from R873 in early November to R1 302 a room for the COP17 period.

Its stepsister, the Road Lodge, however, is offering relatively good value at R651 per room, compared with the normal rate of R474.

But, in spite of the price hikes, rooms are being snapped up. According to the official accommodation partner and booking agency for the conference, Thompsons Tours Africa, almost all hotels within striking distance of the conference, including the Southern Sun Elangeni and Coastlands, are already booked out.

Not surprisingly, the Oyster Box is an exception.

Oyster Box general manager Wayne Coetzer said the rates for COP17 were the same as the peak rates over Christmas. "The hotel is luxurious and offers great value. There are just three rooms remaining and we expect VIPs to snap them up at the last minute," he said.

'Suited for different pockets'
About 15 000 official delegates are expected to attend the conference from November 28 to December 9. This excludes the nongovernmental sector and members of civil society, which are expected to stage protests at the event.

Erica Gardner, the manager of Thompson Tours's COP17 accommodation, said that the Elangeni was the first to sell out. The hotel's 172 standard rooms were going at R1 809 a night. Gardner said that, in total, 4 000 rooms had already been filled in Durban, but there was more than enough accommodation for all those coming to the event.

"The prices are high but this is the general practice across the world," she said. "And Durban has the variety to suit different pockets."

She said there might be the odd exception, such as the Oyster Box, that raised its prices to more than double but, in general, prices were fair.

The Hilton, probably the nearest major hotel to Durban's Inter*national Convention Centre where the conference will be held, was booked out by the South African government and declared a security area earlier this year.

The most expensive stay found by the M&G was at the Fairmont Zimbali Resort, 38 kilometres from the centre, where the delights of the presidential suite will be a steal at R43 866 a night. The best prices are to found at guesthouses, some of which are offering packages to delegates that include transport.

Four-star guesthouse, 305 on Ipahla, on the South Coast is offering a seven-night package, including transport to and from the conference, free laundry and free Wifi, for R14 000, while the Mandalay Guesthouse in Durban is charging Christmas premium rates.

Gardner said the guesthouses were much slower than the hotels to fill up but offered good value, although they lacked premium hotel services.

"Most of the guesthouses are charging peak-season rates," a guesthouse owner said. "You would be stupid not to. But, at the same time, it's stupid to make your rates unaffordable, with such a variety available, and price yourself out of the market."

A senior source in government said there was concern in official circles that accommodation during the conference was too expensive, saying that the government was engaging the tourism sector about keeping tariffs at reasonable levels.

The city of Durban has also been talking to the sector. A particular concern is that delegates from poor countries could have difficulty finding suitable accommodation and could be excluded.

Kagiso Mosue, the communications co-ordinator of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, said that businesses that were part of the organised tourism sector in and around Durban were working closely with the city and Thompsons. Mosue said city managers had negotiated with the industry ahead of bidding for the event about accommodation prices across the various segments. "One of the key outcomes of this process was agreement on approximate rates that would account for inflation," she said.

But establishments that are not part of organised business were not be bound by these agreements.

"We are mindful that there may be businesses that are not part of the organised industry that may want to enter the market now for the sake of profiteering," Mosue said.

http://mg.co.za/article/2011-08-26-m...cop17-cash-cow

dysan1

September 14th, 2011, 03:24 PM

Responsible accommodation campaign launched for COP17

http://cdn.bizcommunity.com/c/1109/82113.jpg

14 Sep 2011 09:56

eThekwini Municipality's COP17/CMP 7 Responsible Accommodation Campaign was launched at a forum earlier this week at the Protea Edward Hotel, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ahead of the one of the largest climate conferences in the world , COP17, which will be held in Durban 28 November-9 December 2011.

The conference is expected to attract 20-30 000 delegates and visitors, who will generally be more environmentally aware than is perhaps usually the case. It is therefore important, believes the municipality, that facilities adopt environmentally sustainable practices within their operations.

Additionally, accommodation facilities will contribute towards the environmental footprint of the event through their increased resource consumption (energy and water) and waste production over the conference period.

In order to minimise the environmental impact of hosting the event, the municipality believes it is critical that relevant initiatives are put in place to achieve this. These will be coordinated under the municipality's COP17/CMP 7 Greening Programme. As part of this, the city is taking the opportunity to develop and pilot a campaign encouraging Durban's hospitality sector to engage around adopt "responsible tourism" through the Responsible Accommodation Campaign.

Building awareness of climate change

The campaign will focus on building awareness of climate change, its implications for businesses, the COP17/CMP 7 event and responsible tourism. It will provide practical support, knowledge, ideas and tools for hospitality business owners to start this process through a three part process - two campaign forums, a practical "responsible accommodation toolkit" and "responsible visitor's charter".

The purpose of the free forums is to provide an opportunity for owners/managers of accommodation facilities in and around Durban to be exposed to new knowledge and ideas which are practical and important for their businesses, and to provide practical information on how to implement more sustainable practices within their operations. It is at these forums that accommodation facilities will join the campaign and receive a toolkit. Participants will also receive a certificate acknowledging their participation in this campaign.

The first forum took place on Monday, 12 September 2011. The second forum is on 12 October at the Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel in Durban.

For more:
•Bizcommunity Search: COP17

•Web: www.cop17-cmp7durban.com

•Facebook: COP17/CMP7 - Durban, South Africa

•Google News Search: United Nations Climate Change Conference

•Twitter: @COP17CMP7Durban

•Twitter Search: COP17

romanSA

September 18th, 2011, 03:07 PM

Cross-post from Durban thread...

-------------

Durban's pedalling to the front
SUTHENTIRA GOVENDER
18 September, 2011 01:06

Not content with being one of South Africa's top holiday destinations, Durban also wants to be the best city for cyclists.

The city is splashing out R15-million on new bicycle lanes.

And city bosses say that more money will be poured into extra lanes before the start of the 17th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 17) in November.

More than 20 000 international delegates are due to attend the conference from November 28 to December 9, in the middle of Durban's hot and humid summer, to assess progress on climate change.

The city council's speaker, Logie Naidoo, said Durban would challenge delegates to ditch cars and use bicycles.

The lanes would link the Durban International Convention Centre and tourist attractions.

"It does not make sense to host an environmental conference and have thousands of delegates in buses and taxis," he said.

The city had ordered more than 2000 bicycles for delegates.

The central government would supply 500 bicycles and the city was approaching hotels in Durban to provide the rest.

"No other city has done this before," said Naidoo.

Department of Environmental Affairs spokesman Albi Modise said the aim with the bicycles was to raise public awareness on carbon emissions.

Carlos Esteves, deputy head of the city's road system management, said the first phase of the cycle plan would cost about R15-million.

The 2000 bicycles would be donated to legacy projects after the conference.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2011/09/18/durban-s-pedalling-to-the-front

romanSA

September 26th, 2011, 09:14 AM

COP17 hotel price probe

September 26 2011 at 08:22am
By Leanne Jansen

DESPITE vehement protestations from hospitality industry stakeholders and the city itself, the Environmental Affairs Department believes there is a basis for its concern that hotel accommodation prices for UN Cop17 to be held in Durban have been unjustifiably inflated.

And Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk has been asked to establish the validity of the concern and, if justified, how widespread such abuse is.

Blessing Manale, deputy director-general of communications in the Environmental Affairs department, who confirmed the inquiry would take place, said he was privy to complaints over accommodation costs from “all over the show”.

Manale said representatives from certain African countries had been among those who deemed the hotel costs in Durban unaffordable.

And although a government source had previously revealed that such concerns were shared by the International Relations Department, the department’s spokesman, Clayson Monyela, said delegates were not being ripped off. He said yesterday that he believed accommodation prices were not “extraordinary” when compared to other conferences of this nature and previous UN climate change talks. Last week, 10 000 rooms had been snapped up, he said.

The Mercury reported last week that eThekwini mayor James Nxumalo had urged hoteliers not to overcharge delegates, following reports that some had doubled their prices.

Consensus

The consensus among industry authorities was that there were a few “bad apples” operating independently from UN climate change talks accommodation service provider Thompsons Africa. The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (Fedhasa) said these unscrupulous operators were exploiting the situation and giving the entire sector a bad name.

Fedhasa’s CEO Brett Dungan said that while he could not rule out the possibility that certain hotels were “taking chances” and milking the opportunity presented by the UN talks, this was not true of the majority.

He said hotels and the city had agreed on what accommodation fees would be acceptable. Thompsons has denied that its service charge had resulted in prices being pushed up and that the hotels were asking exorbitant amounts.

“For the most part, hotels have provided pricing that is in line with the peak demand period. We believe that the pricing is comparable to other international trade fair periods where there is high concentrated demand on hotel rooms,” said Erica Gardner, the head of Thompsons’ team for the conference.

According to Sue Bannister, deputy head of eThekwini’s strategic projects unit, Thompsons is not being paid to be the official booking agent. The company was earning a fixed 5 percent commission from sales.

“A series of meetings was held with the few hotels that did set charges or booking conditions over and above those recommended,” Bannister said.

Mike Dowsley, chairman of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s tourism committee, said he favoured eThekwini’s arrangement with Thompsons, because it decreased the number of “rogue operators” who could try to take advantage of the conference. - The Mercury

http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/cop17-hotel-price-probe-1.1144472

romanSA

September 30th, 2011, 05:58 PM

8 000 rooms still needed for Cop17
September 30 2011 at 04:06pm
By Barbara Cole

INLSA
http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/durban-city-1.1148382!/image/3384373476.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/3384373476.jpg
An ariel view of the city of Durban. Picture: Sherelee Clarke

EIGHT thousand hotel rooms are still needed to cater for accredited delegates who will attend the 17th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (Cop17) in Durban.

Now an appeal has gone out to those hotels, bed and breakfast businesses and guest houses who have not registered with Thompsons Africa – the city’s contracted accommodation provider – to contact it to be added to the list delegates can use to find accomodation.

The UN is expecting 15 000 accredited delegates to attend its conference at the International Convention Centre and the Durban Exhibition Centre, and thousands of other visitors will also fly in for other gatherings and exhibitions at other venues across the city,

Project manager of Thompsons Africa Erica Gardner, said on Wednesday that there was an 8 000 room shortfall. “And we are not even half way there,” she told a meeting at the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which was attended by stakeholders from the hospitality industry and related businesses.

Although the conference will be held from November 26 to December 3, some delegates are expected to come in from November 21 until December 11 – and some UN officials are expected to arrive from early November.

Gardner said that 5 000 rooms had already been committed by the hospitality industry for the conference, with 4 000 already booked.

Rooms are needed within an hour’s drive from Durban; Ballito in the north; to Scottburgh in the south and up to Hillcrest in the west.

Gardner was optimistic she would reach the target and if necessary, would go further out to the Pietermaritzburg area to find rooms.

Earlier, Sue Bannister, the acting head of the city’s Strategic Projects Unit, told how 600 bicycles would be lent to delegates to get around during the conference.

The bicycles would be donated to local schools after the conference, she said.

Facts and figures about COP17:

ONE million-plus: That’s the number of cups of tea or coffee expected to be sold in the city (according to Sue Bannister, the head of the city’s Strategic Projects Unit). This is based on a minimum of 15 000 people flying in.

450 000 meals will be eaten.

135 000 accommodation “bed nights” expected.

50 000 curios will be sold.

50 000 metered taxi trips will be taken.

5 000 delegates will visit tourist attractions-and most of them will have “significant” disposal income.

To get a registration form to add your hotel’s name to the official accommodation list, email requests to:

cop17@thompsons.co.za

- Daily News, page 7

http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/8-000-rooms-still-needed-for-cop17-1.1148383

dysan1

October 1st, 2011, 07:58 AM

SO, they are not short of beds, they are just short of operators comitting beds through the Thompsons channel. I'm sure plenty are booking direct

Diggerdog

October 4th, 2011, 08:21 AM

Looks like they are ready...20 000 people! That is a big event...

SA ready for COP17
Monday, 03 October 2011
South Africa is ready to host the United Nations Climate Change conference COP17, International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said on Friday.

"We are working closely with the city of Durban and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to ensure that we host an international event that meets UN requirements," she told reporters on Friday.

She said her department had worked closely with the president of the COP Mexico to prepare for the event.

"We have arranged a leaders' dialogue on climate change on the margins of the UN general assembly to get guidance from heads of states and government."

COP 17 will be held in Durban from November 28 to December 9. The minister said more than 6000 hotel rooms had been booked and paid for.

"The layout for the conference at the International Convection Centre and the Durban Exhibition Centre has been finalised."

Nkoana-Mashabane said about 20,000 people would travel to South Africa to attend the conference, and there would be a free visa entry for accredited delegates.

Sand-Shark

October 5th, 2011, 08:39 AM

Anyone noticed all the solar panels on the roadside equipment en route from the airport? :)

dysan1

October 5th, 2011, 04:42 PM

^^ thats been there since they were put up tho

ToxicBunny

November 3rd, 2011, 07:03 PM

Drove past the site this evening, they're starting to put up the big tents and such on what is usually the parking lot for the Expo Centre...

Mo Rush

November 3rd, 2011, 11:16 PM

Yes, an events area will be created for those not allowed in accredited zones.

dysan1

November 9th, 2011, 09:25 PM

Ring of steel for Durban
November 9 2011 at 12:30pm
By Lee Rondganger

Shayne Robinson

South Africa’s security forces plan to throw a ring of steel around Durban as the city gears itself to host thousands of foreign visitors including heads of states, royalty and celebrities for the imminent world conference on climate change.

SAPS staff leave has been restricted, the South African National Defence Force will be on stand-by and police officers from other provinces will be deployed to Durban to assist in the security operation – that will mirror the security plans implemented during last year’s World Cup, according to police management.

More than 20 000 people, most of them visitors from abroad, are expected in Durban for the 10-day 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP17) climate talks which begin on November 28 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC).

The COP17 comprises 192 countries who meet once a year to discuss and find solutions to the harmful effects of global climate change.

About 15 000 delegates have registered to attend the climate talks.

The event is expected to generate an estimated R500 million in revenue for Durban but will test the city’s security apparatus.

National police spokesman, Colonel Vishnu Naidoo, said several specialised units such as the police’s elite Task Force would be deployed to Durban to assist with security measures but most of the officers will come from KwaZulu-Natal.

He said the officers from the Public Order Policing Units who had been trained by the French gendarmerie for the world cup have undergone refresher training courses in anticipation of protests that may turn violent during the event.

“Our primary focus will be to maintain high visibility and this will consist of members in uniform, on foot patrol, horseback, bicycles, motorbikes, vehicles and air assets that will be utilised for support,” Naidoo said.

Plans also include setting up “no-fly zones” over places such as the ICC or where heads of state may be meeting.

Naidoo said: “As part of the security plan, during certain periods some areas will be declared no-fly zones. Areas that are declared no-fly zones are generally communicated within reasonable time. I am not in a position to say at this stage which areas are no-fly zones.”

Police have been working for months drawing up the security arrangements for the event and have been liaising closely with local and international intelligence agencies including the US’s CIA and Britain’s MI6 to protect visitors to the summit, Naidoo confirmed.

A tight security cordon will also be thrown around the ICC and several road blocks around the venue have been planned.

The ICC will also be given “island status”.

This means the UN will take control of the venue and access to the precinct will be limited to accredited people only.

Naidoo said police had met regularly with the UN when the security plans were being drawn up.

“As part of our plans, no police officers in uniform will be working inside the ICC… The UN will work closely with National Joint Operations in order to ensure the implementation of the required security measures,” he said.

During last year’s world cup, the police’s Special Task Force, the SANDF’s special forces, the bomb squad and the National Intervention Unit as well as the defence force’s 7 Medical Battalion set up camp not far from Moses Mabhida Stadium to deal with any possible chemical, biological and radiological threat.

Police training and mock exercises that play out any possible scenario have been taking place for weeks now.

In August a police helicopter landed on the roof of the Hilton Hotel – which is adjacent to the ICC – for a training exercise.

The helicopter hovered over the hotel from around 9am on August 30 while special task force members fast-roped to the roof and exited the building via the staircase.

In addition to the climate talks at the ICC, several parallel events are being planned.

Greenpeace planned to demonstrate a solar-powered cinema, while Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and other religious leaders were expected to attend a Faith Rally at Kings Park Stadium on November 27.

Naidoo said that the heavy police presence around the ICC and central Durban precinct would not have an impact on normal policing around Durban.

“This will have a positive impact in that the high visibility of police officers serves as a great deterrent to crime and criminals as we have experienced in the past.

“Any person found breaking the law will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

dysan1

November 9th, 2011, 09:29 PM

Making room for visitors
November 9 2011 at 11:40am

LOCAL hoteliers and entrepreneurs are preparing to reap rich pickings from the 15 000 to 20 000 visitors coming to South Africa later this month for the big UN conference on climate change.

Several hotels and bed ’n’ breakfasts in Durban are reported to have jacked up tariffs considerably to take advantage of the pre-Christmas tourism bonanza, while a range of allied enterprises are waiting in the wings to pick up extra business from the November 28-December 9 summit – the 17th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP17).

But once the hotels, caterers, restaurants, car-hire companies and other entrepreneurs have raked up or scraped up what they can from the conference bonanza, what legacy will be left behind in South Africa from hosting a meeting which is intended to protect the Earth and its people from the ravages of climate turmoil?

And what, if anything, will the conference do to shift the mindset of the public and big business towards a more sustainable “green” economy?

These are some of the tougher questions which are being put aside for now as local entrepreneurs prepare to cash in on COP17.

Judging by the tariff list from the official accommodation agents, Thompsons Africa, delegates are unlikely to find single beds close to the conference venue for much less than R1 500 a night.

If they are ready to look around, single rooms can be had for as little as R650 a night at the Road Lodge next to Durban Station, while the cheapest official deal seems to be the Mesami Hotel in Currie Road at R550 a night.

Alternatives include trekking 74km southwards to the Blue Marlin hotel in Scottburgh (R390 a night single) or driving 47km northwards to Michael’s Nook Self-Catering in Ballito where you can rest your head for R490 a night.

On the Durban beachfront, bottom-of-the-range single rooms range from about R1 000 at the Beach Hotel to R1 800 at the Southern Sun Elangeni (or R8 700 if you fancy the presidential suite).

For those who can afford to sleep in style, the Suncoast Hotel and Towers is advertising its penthouse suite for R19 700 a night. If you fancy the more up-market digs at the Oyster Box in Umhlanga, the cheapest option is R5 000 a night in a garden loft, R10 000 in a sea-facing cabana or R16 000 in a supe-rior garden villa.

Similar tariffs are available next door at the Beverly Hills Hotel (R5 000 for a standard room and R11 000 in the presidential suite).

If you are really stinking rich, the Fairmont Zimbali Resort is where you need to be. Here, the single rooms start at R3 000 a night, rising to R27 000 a pop in the royal suite or a staggering R44 000 a night in the presidential suite.

So far, at least 6 000 hotel rooms have been booked in the Durban area through the official COP17 booking agents, but an equal number of hotel and bed ’n’ breakfast rooms are likely to have been booked independently.

Sue Bannister, of the eThekwini municipality’s strategic projects unit, says most central Durban hotels are chock- a-block and delegates are moving further afield in search of accommodation.

Although most of the visitors are hoping to find rooms within a 50km radius of the city centre, conference officials said delegates were now booking into hotels in Pietermaritzburg, which requires a daily round-trip trek of nearly 200km.

Nina Freysen-Pretorius, head of The Conference Company which is assisting Durban with conference arrangements, says more than 100 buses are being provided by the national Department of Transport to shuttle delegates daily from their hotels to the ICC.

The shuttle buses will shift delegates to a central transit area from pick-up points at the Pavilion (Westville), Scottburgh, Ballito, Umhlanga, Morningside and the beachfront.

The shuttle service has also been extended to Pietermaritzburg, and will run daily until 6pm. A smaller shuttle service will run until 10pm, with back-up shuttle buses on standby in case some of the climate meetings run into the early hours.

However, conference organisers say there are hundreds of more impecunious activist delegates from non-government and community-based organisations struggling to find affordable accommodation in Durban.

With most of the cheaper inns booked up, some delegates may end up camping out in tent settlements, similar to those set up last year for Australian World Cup tourists.

Mo Rush

November 9th, 2011, 10:26 PM

Caisson Boy

November 11th, 2011, 12:06 PM

O, I'm going to be an exhibitor at COP17. Not really in the mood.

ToxicBunny

November 11th, 2011, 02:10 PM

I reckon its going to be great.. I'm going to try my best to get down there if there are going to be any exhibition areas that are open to the public.

dysan1

November 11th, 2011, 10:08 PM

Many beach and florida rd events already

Mo Rush

November 13th, 2011, 10:40 AM

O, I'm going to be an exhibitor at COP17. Not really in the mood.

I'll definitely try to come by.

Which exhibition/stand will you be representing?

dysan1

November 13th, 2011, 05:28 PM

Here is a link to the June2011 Readiness and planning report

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=%2522people%2Bmover%2522%2Bdurban%2Broutes&source=web&cd=38&ved=0CKACEBYwJQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.durbaninvest.co.za%2Findex.php%2Fmedia-and-downloads%2Fdoc_download%2F12-cop-17-durban-report&ei=Vu-_Tov2K4eBhQeqp9SYBA&usg=AFQjCNGwSE5VVgy-GP1g0PFgWgggB78-uA

romanSA

November 16th, 2011, 04:18 PM

Durban 'ready' to handle COP 17 traffic

16 November 2011

Transport authorities are confident that there will be no unnecessary traffic delays or problems during the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP 17). With more than 20 000 people expected to flock to Durban for the United Nations climate change meeting, the city will be increasingly busy.

Roads Systems Manager at the eThekwini Transport Authority, Carlos Esteves, and the Metro Police believe adequate plans have been put into place to manage traffic during this period.

Street closures
Roads that will be closed for the entire period are: Walnut Rd - Bram Fischer to AB Xuma and one lane on Bram Fischer, Stalwart Simelane and AB Xuma around the ICC.

"The city centre and the area immediately around the International Convention Centre (ICC) precinct will be completely closed to traffic from 8 November to 12 December, but other than that it's business as usual," Esteves said.

No other roads will be closed for the event as a whole. Localised traffic management may require temporary closures from time to time during the period, but Metro Traffic will manage the movement of traffic in those cases.

All formal businesses will have appropriate access should any formal closure be required and notices will be provided in advance.

Public transportation
An airport shuttle will be in operation from 17 November to 14 December and is open to non-delegates at R130 per single journey. It will stop at Gateway, Umhlanga and the Beachfront en route to its final destination at the Central Transport Hub at the centrum site in the city centre.

Specially marked COP17 bus stops will be clearly identifiable along all routes. In addition, eight Durban hotels will be selling tickets and will be available from the concierge.

COP17 delegates will be able to travel on all the shuttle buses for free by showing their delegate accreditation on embarking.

Designated bike lanes
Meanwhile, two bike routes have been specially created for the conference period. New designated bike lanes have also been increased for those delegates who wish to ride to the ICC precinct.

The first route starts at the Beachfront and follows a route through town to the Climate Change Response Expo then on to the Durban Botanical Gardens. The other route runs from uShaka Marine World on the northern book-end of the Durban Beachfront, along the Golden Mile, to the Durban Green Hub at Blue Lagoon.

Bike hire is available from a site near uShaka Marine World in the New Addington node, the Green Hub and the Pavilion site on the central beachfront, adjacent to the Durban Tourism information office.

Park and ride
Accredited delegates and media will be allowed into the ICC precinct for the entire period. Accredited delegate and consular parking is at the "Park and Ride" at the Durban Drive-in site and dedicated shuttles will transport visitors to the ICC and CCR Expo.

Accredited media will be accommodated at the Moses Mabhida Stadium parking in Battery Beach Road, opposite the Kingspark Swimming pool (Mustering Fields parking), from where they can catch the "People Mover" shuttle to the Workshop.

In addition, they can make use of a shuttle to the Cemtral Transportation Hub. Travel on the People Mover is free for accredited delegates on presentation of a delegate card.

The general public will have access to parking at the various parking garages in the city and open parking along the Beachfront. From there, a short walk or use of the People Mover will get them to the CCR Expo site.

http://www.southafrica.info/cop17/durbantraffic-161111.htm#ixzz1dskRInsT

Mo Rush

November 16th, 2011, 06:32 PM

R130 from Airport to City for non-delegates per trip. Reasonable?

romanSA

November 17th, 2011, 04:21 PM

Extra ICC staff for COP17

17 November 2011 - 14:19
By Thrishni Subramoney

More than 2 000 extra staff members are being hired at Durban's ICC to provide services to thousands of delegates from around the world that are expected to descend on the venue for COP17.

The climate change meeting is set to begin in Durban in about two weeks time.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN body in charge of the conference , will take over the ICC for the duration of the conference.

While this has meant the the UN will bring in its own staff, officials say around 95% of workers at the venue will be South African.

The Centre's CEO Julie-May Ellingson says local staff have had to be trained to work to UN specifications.

She says the extra staff will fill a variety of roles.

"It will be from waitrons to set up crews, to technical people - so it's a wide variety of people that will be brought on board.

And then obviously, we have had to go through extensive training process ranging from your customer service and very importantly all our greening training as well.

So in terms of how to deal with recycling, how we should be minimising energy usage, how we minimising water usage," said Ellingson.

http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-news?oid=1455297&sn=Detail&pid=490476&Extra-ICC-staff-for-COP17

romanSA

November 17th, 2011, 05:22 PM

Home affairs beefs up preparations for COP-17

Department says it will deploy nearly 100 immigration officers at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport for climate change conference

ROY DOWNING

Published:2011/11/17 03:47:17 PM

Nearly 100 immigration officers will be on duty at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport later this month for the United Nations conference on climate change (COP-17).

The Department of Home Affairs said on Thursday that 96 officers would be drawn from its staff around South Africa.

Of these, 42 will be members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) who have been trained by the department as immigration officers.

Mkuseli Apleni, home affairs director-general, told a press conference in Pretoria that the department’s regular staff component would provide immigration services to delegates arriving at OR Tambo and Cape Town international airports before travelling to Durban for the conference.

"We will be providing visa exemptions to all accredited UN delegates whose entry into South Africa will be facilitated through dedicated counters at OR Tambo, Cape Town and King Shaka International Airports," said Mr Apleni.

The department has already pre-screened 11814 persons on the UN database of persons accredited for COP-17, which runs from November 28 to December 9.

downingr@bdfm.co.za

Twitter: @RoyDowning

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=159016

romanSA

November 18th, 2011, 08:14 AM

Highlighted bits show why ICC holds a competitive advantage over its rivals, none of which can offer the same on one site...

-----------------------

ICC Durban becomes UN site for duration of COP 17

18 Nov 2011 07:16

As the ICC Durban gears up for its biggest conference, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) and the 7th Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP7), visitors need to know the rules that will be in force.

Roads closures

The road closures will be in force from 20 November 2011 until 13 December 2011 on the following lanes:•Two lanes on Stalwart Simelane Street (Stanger St)

•Two lanes on Bram Fischer Road (Ordnance Rd)

•One lane on Dr AB Xuma Street (Commercial Rd)

•Walnut Road will be the only road that is completely closed off to the public.

Mag and bag scanning processes

The ICC Durban complex becomes a United Nations site, where security officials mandated by the UN control entry and exit. Entry is only permitted for persons who have been accredited - no accreditation equals no entry and there will be no exceptions to this rule. Anybody entering the building will be subjected to mag and bag scanning processes.

There is no parking on site for the duration of the event; staff and contracted service providers will park at a designated offsite parking facility and a shuttle service will be made available to and from the ICC Durban. Parking at the ICC Durban will only be available again from 16 December after the breakdown of the conference infrastructure.

No dangerous items or weapons allowed

Only vehicles carrying heads of state will have access into the ICC precinct. Delegate busses will park at the transport hub located on the Centrum Parking site opposite the Durban Workshop. The entire site will be closed off in two secure areas. The outer perimeter will be the South African Zone, with the inner perimeter being fenced off for the United Nations Zone.

All persons and baggage entering the UN Zone will be searched prior to entry. All bags will be scanned to ensure no dangerous items are contained and no weapons of any kind will be allowed.

All suppliers delivering to the ICC will have their vehicles searched offsite before being escorted to the site by the SAPS and the Metro police. The ICC has requested suppliers to deliver according to a strict delivery schedule, ideally between midnight and 4am, as it might take as long as three hours for delivery clearance.

Venues galore

Build-up for the conference began on 8 November, with 160 dedicated contractors on site, creating 7400 m² of temporary office space over and above what already exists. Including the existing 33 000 m² conference and exhibition space, the ICC is also utilising the lower level (basement parking) to create a further 14 000 m² of usable space which will include an international broadcasting centre, country delegation offices and the UNFCCC offices.

Temporary marquees of 5 500 m² are also being erected in the north and south plazas of the ICC Exhibition Centre. •Two plenary venues will host 1900 and 1300 delegates respectively.

•Approximately 27 meeting rooms with the capacity to host between 20 and 500 delegates are being used.

•Approximately 1 100 international media will be accommodated and a media centre on the lower level is being constructed for use over the period of the conference.

•The ICC Exhibition Centre has been upgraded with the construction of new facilities and the painting of the exterior in preparation for the event.

•Eco friendly boards made from 100% recycled products are being used to build offices and meeting rooms within the ICC halls. Approximately 3 500 metres of walling is being installed. These panels are 100% South African produced, flame resistant and eco-friendly, made from recycled Kraft cardboard boxes and sugarcane waste. This is a first for this type of application within the meetings industry.

•Cabling with a length totalling approximately 40 kilometres is being installed for video, data and communication networks across all levels of the ICC and other venues within the precinct.

Press releases and relevant information will be published on the website www.icc.co.za.

http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/40/67354.html

romanSA

November 21st, 2011, 01:10 PM

Cross-post from conferences thread

--------------

Hefty bill for climate talks
November 21 2011 at 10:37am
By Tony Carnie

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/nm-durban-red-line-21000280-1.1182632!/image/2786739846.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/2786739846.jpg
INLSA

An aerial view of Durban, ahead of the COP17 conference on 28 November 2011.

Hotels and restaurants in the Durban area are getting ready to rake in millions of rand from the United Nations climate change meeting – but local ratepayers will have to fork out at least R50 million for the two-week conference.

While the national government is paying the bulk of the costs to host one of the world’s biggest conferences, the eThekwini municipality will be expected to pick up part of the tab as the host city.

Outgoing municipal manager Michael Sutcliffe has confirmed that eThekwini will pay about R50m, over and above the estimated R500m spent by the national government.

Sutcliffe said the council had already made provision in its budget for the extra expenditure associated with hosting the UN 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17), which starts next week.

He was responding to questions from The Mercury during a media tour of the conference venue on whether ratepayers would have to pay part of the costs, and whether the hotel and hospitality industry should contribute to the cost of hosting the event.

Sutcliffe acknowledged that hotels and restaurants would benefit financially from COP 17, but said he was not prepared to get into a public debate on whether the hospitality sector should foot part of the conference bill or not.

These costs include daily People Mover and shuttle bus transport to move at least 15 000 official delegates to and from their hotels and the International Convention Centre.

Other costs include overtime pay for metro police officers and other city personnel, as well as a number of greening projects and festivals in eThekwini.

However, Sutcliffe noted that COP17 would not be as costly as the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development, which was held in Joburg in 2002 at a cost of about R1.1 billion.

Mayor James Nxumalo said COP17 was expected to be the “biggest conference ever held on the African continent”, with about 15 000 delegates and observers, and possibly another 5 000 to 10 000 other visitors.

“We must ensure that we are prepared to host them in the warmest way possible – warm people, warm food, warm beaches, warmth all around.

“But being the warmest place to be also signals to us that our earth is getting warmer and we must do something about that,” he added.

“Of course we will be benefiting enormously, through the huge international exposure and the many economic benefits.

One example is our accommodation. I am sure that this will be fully booked for the event period, with over 160 000 bed-nights of accommodation being sold.”

Sue Bannister, of the city’s strategic projects unit, said the conference would lead to major exposure for Durban, both from international media coverage and from the personal accounts of delegates from more than 190 nations.

From this week, a designated zone in the vicinity of the conference centre would come under the official control of the United Nations for the duration of the event (see graphic opposite).

Only accredited delegates and observers would be allowed entry into the security zone.

The Hilton Hotel, which falls outside the UN security zone, would mostly be occupied by ministers from South Africa and the other 193 governments involved in the talks. - The Mercury

http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/hefty-bill-for-climate-talks-1.1182633

romanSA

November 21st, 2011, 01:18 PM

Has anyone seen this massive dome tent in person yet? Saw a pic of it in the Tribune and it looked epic. Apparently, it's almost 5 stories high, and steamy (it's meant to replicate a DRC tropical rainforest)...

--------------

Durban’s dome
November 15 2011 at 08:00am
By Daily News Reporter

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/copy-of-nd-cop17-1.1178269!/image/2080963429.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/2080963429.jpg
Tents erected in preparation for COP17. Picture: Puri Devjee

One of the biggest marquees to be erected in the city now dominates the Centrum Site, near the Workshop and the ICC. It will become a hive of activity when the17th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change gets under way. The giant dome, made from steel and covered with white PVC, measures 36m2 x 66m2 and is 15m high. It will house the Climate Change Response Expo, managed by the Department of Environmental Affairs, from November 27 to December 10, where local, national and international companies and organisations will showcase their initiatives and products. The public will be able to view greening projects and lifestyle solutions, art, crafts and entertainment.

http://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/durban-s-dome-1.1178270

romanSA

November 21st, 2011, 01:27 PM

This is what some people have been asking about: events that are open to the public. These sound fantastic! The city, civil society, and govt is really pulling out all the stops to make this an unforgetable experience....

---------------

DURBAN TURNS UP THE VOLUME FOR COP17

To make all the people of Durban feel part of the action during the two week period of the COP17-CMP7 conference, a bold and innovative programme jam-packed with exciting events, loads of entertainment and a host of activities, is taking place during the two weeks of the event…the largest Durban has ever hosted.

The action takes in every nook and crannie of the City, but will be concentrated along the Beachfront, at the uMngeni Green Hub and at the Durban Botanical Gardens. These events all provide the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors alike, to enjoy the magnificent Durban outdoors.

Most events start on the 28 November and run until 10 December, but watch the press for details. All the following events are open to the public over the COP17 period from 28 November – 10 December.

Climate Change Response (CCR) Expo
•DATE: 27 November – 10 December
•VENUE: Centrum Site
•TIME: Mon-Thurs from 10:00 -18:00
Fri-Sat from 10:00 – 20:00

The Climate Change Response Expo (CCR Expo), is managed by Department of Environment Affairs (DEA) and provides an impressive platform for local, national and international companies and organizations to profile and showcase their initiatives and products. The Expo is also a platform for climate change education, both motivating and inspiring the public by presenting lifestyle greening initiatives and solutions. In addition, it will be displaying local art and craft and offering some excellent South African entertainment. The Expo is located within walking distance of the ICC.

NGO PARTICIPATION –The People’s Space
•DATE: 28 November – 10 December
•VENUE: Block AK

Referred to as the “People’s Space”, creates an opportunity for international and national civil society to participate in COP17. Encompasses a registration area, meeting spaces, seminars, conference and discussion areas, Slow Food Facility, Craft Market, Climate Refugee Camp, Global Day of Action March and Concert.

•Global Day of Action March (3 December ) – A mass march by the international and nationa lcommunity, labour, youth, academic, religious and environmental organizations, in order to draw attention to the need for global leaders to take meaningful action on climate change. The march will start at Curries Fountain.

•Global Day of Action Concert (3 December) – 30 000 people are expected to attend this free concert to be held at the Tech Fields (& George Campbell School). The concerts mark the end of the Global Day of Action March and serve as a platform for creating awareness of the importance of sustaining our environment and make South Africa a better place to live.
Gates open 13:00 and close at 23:00. Entry is free.

OWARE GAME
DATE: 29 November – 14 December
•VENUE:
•TIME: 10:00–22:00 daily
Oware is considered the oldest board game in the world, dating back 7000 years. This version of Oware serves as an interactive forum for the community to explore the issue of female empowerment. The goal of the game has been adapted so that each person or team collects knowledge, resources and capabilities on their journey to empowerment in the game play. Oware stands alone as a strong sculptural and aesthetic public artwork, at approximately 24 x 8 feet in size. The game can be played by members of the public or groupings who will be able to make appointments to play.

FAITH RALLY
DATE: 27 November
•VENUE: Kings Park Rugby Stadium
•TIME: 14:00 – Gates open at Noon
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has urged South Africans to join world faith leaders, political leaders and music stars at an “extraordinary” mass rally and afternoon concert on November 27 at the King’s Park Stadium in Durban. The Archbishop is to host the “We Have Faith – Act Now for Climate Justice” rally and concert, at which he will lead a call to world leaders attending the COP17 climate change talks in Durban that they should reach a fair and legally binding agreement to curb climate change. Musicians including Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Arno Carstens, rap star HHP and Kenyan Gospel rapper Juliani have confirmed they will perform at the rally, which will be free. Faith leaders including Pope Benedict XVI, Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, have also been invited. Those who cannot attend have been asked to send video clips of support. Environmental campaigners and motivational speakers Lewis Pugh, the “human polar bear” and Braam Malherbe, a 50/50 presenter, will be among the many who will address the crowd.
Enquiries: The campaign Faith Secretariat on (031) 310 3500 / 3512.

DAY OF PRAYER
DATE: 4 December
•VENUE: DUT Sports Hall (GateNo5, Steve Biko Campus, 79 Mansfield Road, Durban)
•TIME: 15:00–17:00
A gathering for a day of prayer for the success of the COP17 negotiations

GREENPEACE – SOLAR CINEMA
DATE: 28 November – 10 December
•VENUE: Bay Lawns
•TIME: Movie screening times from12:00 each day.
The Solar Cinema facility will be powered by Solar and Wind and will showcase environmental movies and documentaries throughout the COP17/CMP7conference.

APE Concerts –Artists Protect Earth (APE)
DATE: 4 December
•VENUE: New Beach
•TIME: 09:00–19:00
Live performances by a wide range of artists. An entrance fee of R200 per person will be charged and the profits will be donated to APE’s East Africa Appeal. South African artists performing include Jika Nelanga, Zamo Mbutho, LuDkamini, Greg Georgiades and Madala Kunene.
Contact: Ian Osrin on 0833891099 or oom@wbs.co.za

BAOBAB TREE
DATE: 27 November-10 December
•VENUE: Amphitheatre Beach Site
•TIME: Daily
Sponsored by Siemens and Osram, the massive Baobab Tree will be donated to the eThekwini Municipality as a legacy project post COP17. The tree is 5m x13m in width and15m high with 8 large branches each measuring 7 metres in length. The tree is made out of recycled wooden pallets set against a metal frame with LED lights fixed to the branches which will be lit by night & day. Public will be asked to pedal on cycles located adjacent to the tree, in order to “light” the tree.

CLIMATE TRAIN
DATE: 27 November-11 December
•VENUE: Durban Station
•TIME: Daily from ; Entrance is free
The Climate Train will provide an exciting programme of cultural events, as well as roundtable discussions with key thought leaders from government, business, civil society and communities on the range of climate change adaptation and mitigation issues, the green economy, green energy and biodiversity. In the lead up to COP17, the Climate Train will travel throughout the country engaging the public and will arrive at Durban Station on 27 Nov. Throughout the period of COP17, it will also offer an exciting cultural programme of music, spoken word, participatory visual art and industrial theatre to grow the awareness about climate change and initiating programmes for climate action. Come to the Climate Train for stimulating conversations, panel discussions or to experience the cultural diversity of SA and see the art and green exhibitions. To get a schedule of events go to www.climatetrain.org.za. For booking a roundtable discussion or for more information:
Enquiries: Indalo Yethu: +27 12 490 0270; rafiah@indaloyethu.org

FUTURE CONVENTION CITIES INITIATIVE
DATE: 3-9 December 2011
•VENUE: uShaka Marine World
Launched by Seoul Tourism Organization, this exhibition is a strategic collaboration and knowledge-sharing forum of leading cities each with a significant convention centre. Six major cities participate –Seoul, London, Sydney, San Francisco, Abu Dhabi, Toronto and Durban.

UNESCO – EARTH HERITAGE SITES –ART DISPLAY
DATE: 25 November -10 December
•VENUE: Fountain Court, Durban Beachfront
•TIME: Daily, Open-air exhibition
This outdoor art exhibition was created by UNESCO in close partnership with its space partners. The main goal is to raise awareness of how climate change is affecting World Heritage sites and how Earth Observation can be used to monitor and assess these changes. The exhibition has been critically acclaimed by Media worldwide. A series of 30 panels (240cm x 120cm) featuring satellite images of different World Heritage sites will illustrate the relevant challenges that these areas are facing such as shrinking glaciers, coral bleaching, disappearing permafrost, desertification and floods amongst others. The exhibition explains the contribution of space technologies to understanding the causes and effects of climate change on these sites. Guided visits for school-goers will also take place for the duration of the exhibition.

DURBAN GREEN FESTIVAL
DATE: 26 November-10 December
•VENUE: Durban Beachfront from uShaka to the Green Hub
The Durban Green Festival takes place along Durban’s entire beachfront and includes an exciting programme of activities: From live music, to beach and ocean sports and games, a KidZone and fun educational activities; film shows, an art and craft market, food, arts and craft. These will provide an enjoyable Durban lifestyle experience and aims to raise awareness about climate change. Roving entertainers and troubadors will be in action from Snake Park to New Beach.

COP17 Music Festival & Beach Party – 9 December
The entertainment area at New Beach / Bay Lawns also forms part of the Durban Green Festival, and provides an impressive line-up of top South African musical entertainment each evening from 17:00-midnight, including live acts and DJ’s. The area boasts a fully functional stage, seating areas and all necessary facilities. A beer and wine bar will be available at the Bay Lawn area.

The Durban Green Hub
DATE: 28 November-10 December
•VENUE: The Green Hub at Blue Lagoon
•TIME: 11:00-21:00 Daily
The Green Hub will feature a family orientated programme with an environmental and climate change focus, targeted at Durban residents. ‘My Green Home’ is an exhibition designed in the format of a house and garden containing a wide range of ways to go green and reduce energy consumption. Advisors will be on hand to help visitors to plan how we can implement simple and affordable changes at home, at work and in our daily lives. There is also a market and entertainment area on the lawns overlooking the uMngeni River, offering wholesome food, crafts, green technologies, live music, a kids play areas, movies and more. Sport activities include a River Raft team challenge and a daily programme of mountain biking, trail running, hiking and birding walks.

Enquiries: 031 303 8476 or infogreenhub@gmail.com

Durban Botanic Gardens
The Durban Botanic Gardens will be all ‘abuzz’ with their new addition… the horticulturally innovative Living ‘Bee-hive’. This permanent living-art installation, in the form of a grassed and planted dome is 16m in diameter by 6.5m high, with a surface area of approximately 200m2. The framework of the structure comprises a steel skeleton clad in living plant material, transparent panels and open spaces. A raised walkway traverses the interior of the Bee-hive and the design includes underground tanks for the catchment and recycling of water.

Also visit the newly expanded Permaculture Gardens, an organic food garden, demonstrating just what is possible in an urban environment…if you want to grow your own veggies.

The Freshly Ground Celebrates COP17 Concert hosted by the Wildlands Trust takes place on Thursday 8 December at 19:00. Tickets are R100 per person & are available from Webtickets R100 per person

Enquiries: 031 309 1170

LIVE THEATRE
Two of Durban’s favourite personalities Ellis Pearson and Gcina Hlophe, will be bringing the climate change message to various venues around Durban in a creative and magical way…Ellis with physical theatre & Gcina though her story-telling. The two artists will be performing at The Durban Botanical Gardens, the Green Hub & various school & library venues in and around Durban from Monday 28 November. Contact venues for dates and times.

Ellis Pearson strikes again with ‘Man Up A Tree’. There’s a man up a tree. Three days now. What’s he doing? How will they get him down before the bull-dozers come to clear the area for development. This powerfully visual and comically persuasive theatre uses the delights of circus performance to create a totally entertaining story that deals head-on with the urgent theme of global climate change. Ellis Pearson and Loyiso Macdonald in this educational piece of theatre, commissioned by Wildlands KZN and eTHekwini Municipality. Mainly physical theatre with English and isiZulu.

Gcina Mhlophe has been writing and performing on stage and screen for the past 24 years. She is loved by the young and the ‘young at heart’ wherever she goes. Gcina will bring the climate change message through her incredible voice and story-telling.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT THROUGH FOOTBALL DATE: 5-9 December
•VENUE: Hoy Park
Youth Development through Football, together with its partners are arranging core activities focusing on youth, sport and the environment. This includes an Environmental Exhibition of photographs, drawings, art pieces by youth; YDF Toolkit training on environmental awareness; a Youth Discussion Forum

RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE MUSICAL PRODUCTION
DATE: 1 December
•VENUE: Durban Beachfront
A one-hour, original musical production featuring 25 pupils selected from a local school have created a production featuring words, music and songs which highlight various aspects of climate change. The production will be filmed and televised worldwide on the BBC’s Climate Change TV.

WALK THE FUTURE
DATE: 27 November
•VENUE: Durban Beachfront
A social mobilisation project involving a physical walk along The Blue Line , a blue line painted on the ground which has been created by world-renowned artist Strijdom van der Merwe, symbolising the rising sea level’s potential impact on our coastline. The walk led by The Premier of KwaZulu Natal, Dr Zweli Mkhize along with Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa, and eThekwini Mayor James Nxumalo, begins at Ushaka Marine World and ends at an artist’s rendition of an educational Ark at the park on the corner of KE Masinga Street and Marine Parade. The walk is free and members of the public are invited to participate in this historic event.

OTHER RELATED EVENTS

Communities and Education
The COP17/CMP7 conference has motivated various educational initiatives that have extended to communities and schools in and around Durban. Climate change, its effects and how to deal with it have been creatively expressed through storytelling, street theatre, art competitions and freely distributed e-newsletters.

Inner City Rooftop Garden
The Priority Zone rooftop garden, situated in an eco-building only 100 metres from the ICC, will be open for informative tours during COP17. The garden is over 1300m2 and utilises various recycled material in its design, including tyres, pallets, and drums to make the beds. An indigenous water-friendly succulent garden is accompanied by food-landscaped beds and vegetable tunnels. Solar geysers and panels are utilised to harvest the sun’s energy, while rainwater is collected to irrigate the gardens. A fully functional worm-farm adds nutrients to the organic vegetables and herbs, which have created employment for two local people.

Date: 28 November-10 December
Time: 09:00 -21:00
Venue: 77b Monty Naicker Street
Enquiries: 031 368 2599

Exhibitions
‘Durban – City For All Seasons’
The Elizabeth Gordon Gallery is hosting an exhibition to celebrate COP17-CMP7 being held in Durban. 16 artists have taken up the challenge to paint something that captures the essence of Durban, while incorporating the themes of climate change and green awareness.
Date: Opens on 30 November at 18:00
Opening times: Weekdays: 08:00 – 16:30
Saturdays: 9am – 12.30pm
Address: 120 Florida Road
Enquiries: Joy Reynolds – 082 2100641

Public Art Response
An all-weather, semi-permanent exhibition along the Durban beachfront featuring artwork by members of the public of all ages in response to a request to creatively express their view of climate change and how best to react to it.
Date: 28 November
Time: Daily
Venue: Open-air Exhibition

DON’T/PANIC
Date: 23 November-19 February 2012
Opening times: Daily
Address: Durban Art Gallery

The Durban Art Gallery will host the exhibition DON’T/PANIC, displaying artistic views on a changing climate, during COP17. “DON’T/PANIC” – is this the answer to the questions raised by natural disasters and catastrophes caused by the changing climate? Or is it the urgent request, directed at world leaders as well as world citizens to act (differently)?

This exhibition, curated by Gabi Ngcobo, seeks to raise questions, offer new perspectives, rather than present pre-fabricated answers. It will contribute to the public debate and be a platform in a city which is the focus of the world’s attention for two weeks in November/December 2011.

The exhibition presents powerful artistic voices from across the African continent, including works by Mlu Zondi, Clive van den Berg, Otobong Nkanga, David Koloane, Batoul S’Himi and Moshekwa Langa. Many of these voices are critical, sometimes in an overt, sometimes in a subtle way, sometimes humorous, sometimes standing as an indictment. Some of the works may raise awareness and some may simply be poetic statements.

The Goethe-Institut and the Heinrich-Böll Foundation have partnered to commission “DON’T/PANIC” as a contribution to the summit by adding a unique African artistic perspective to the discussion.

Open Forum and Walkabout
Date: 3 December
Venue: Durban Art Gallery, Circular Gallery,
Time: 11:00 to 13:00

The walkabout will begin at the Durban Art Gallery and will include discussions with the curator and contributors to the project. Participants include curator Gabi Ngcobo with artists Dineo Bopape, Otobong Nkanga, Zamani Makhanya, Kim Anno and Doung Anwar Jahangeer among others.

http://www.durbantainment.co.za/shisha/durban-turns-volume-cop17/

romanSA

November 21st, 2011, 01:31 PM

Full programme of activities and events can be found here:

http://www.kzndae.gov.za/Portals/0/COP17/calendar_2011-11-25_2011-12-11.pdf

romanSA

November 21st, 2011, 01:36 PM

Matrics, VIPs pose security threat
November 19 2011 at 04:45pm
By Tanya Waterworth

INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS

A security nightmare. Thousands of youngsters blowing off steam after matric with binge drinking and partying rubbing shoulders with hordes of VIPs and celebrities attending the COP17 summit.

Durban and the North Coast is set to experience the same level of security as during last year’s Soccer World Cup with the influx of extra police units into Durban, Umhlanga and Ballito.

Authorities are making every effort to keep partygoers and delegates safe, with the city’s beachfront and Florida Road getting special attention.

The arrival of thousands of international and local visitors for the UN COP17 Climate Change Conference and the annual Matric Rage party invasion at the same time will have the greater Durban area bursting at the seams.

More than 15 000 delegates from more than 194 countries, including royalty, heads of state and celebrities, as well as 10 000 observers and a 2 000-strong media contingent will jet into Durban next week. An estimated 20 000 matriculants, in the mood to party, are also expected to arrive.

Yesterday morning Ethekwini Mayor James Nxumalo, accompanied by municipal manager Mike Sutcliffe and a host of councillors, joined the final media briefing on the state of readiness for the COP conference.

While Sutcliffe joked with media that US star Angelina Jolie “will be staying at his place”, organisers said they had not received confirmation from the UN as to which celebrities and dignitaries would attend, although there has been wide speculation that Jolie, along with U2’s Bono, Leonardo di Caprio, CNN founder Ted Turner, Virgin head Richard Branson, World Bank president Robert Zoellick, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu may be out and about in Durban.

SAPS national spokesman Colonel Vish Naidoo confirmed that police operations before the two massive events have already swung into action.

“Joint operational centres in all provinces and a national joint operational centre have already been mobilised.

“By the time we hand over the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre venue to the United Nations next week, we will be out in maximum force.”

Specialised units – including the elite Special Task Force and the Public Order Policing units – have been deployed.

“Big public events are being planned and, given the nature of the conference, there may be protests and we are prepared for every eventuality.”

On Thursday, Kwadakuza Municipality’s assistant security director, Marius Prinsloo, said a multi-agency operation targeting drug dealers was already under way in the lead-up to the Ballito Rage Party.

According to Rage organisers, 20 000 matric partygoers are expected to attend Rage events in Ballito and Umhlanga, starting next Friday.

“Operations started last week and we have an undercover unit targeting drug dealers,” said Prinsloo, adding that there would be zero tolerance to drugs, drunk-driving, vandalism or fighting in Ballito.

Umhlanga’s Urban Improvement Precinct’s (UIP) Brian Wright said all public open spaces would have a “high security presence”.

The Oyster Box and The Beverley Hills Hotel, both fully booked with COP17 delegates and visitors, are a stone’s throw from Cottonfields and XS Night Club where Umhlanga’s rage parties will be held.

“We have a high-level dedicated security team who will be working closely with SAPS and Ethekwini Metro,” said Wright.

Ethekwini Metro spokes-man, Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi, said there would be increased deployment of metro officers during the events for traffic control and crime-prevention purposes.

Walnut Road between the ICC and the Durban Exhibition Centre will be closed throughout the two-week period of the conference, as well as two lanes on each road around the ICC – AB Xuma, Stalwart Simelane, Braam Fisher and Samora Machel.

Msomi said the second area of increased deployment in Durban would be the beachfront, while visitors would also be encouraged to use pedestrian routes around the city.

There will be increased foot and mobile patrols along pedestrian and vehicle routes, as well as known tourist areas. - Independent on Saturday

http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/matrics-vips-pose-security-threat-1.1182009

dysan1

November 21st, 2011, 07:32 PM

Yeah the expo at the Centrum site looks set to be fantastic. DesignWorkshopSA have designed a bamboo leaf roof that looks amazing...and best of all it is open to us the general public!!

dysan1

November 21st, 2011, 07:34 PM

i think we all need to get out and about with our camera's!

dysan1

November 21st, 2011, 07:48 PM

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/391259_166475826782857_144549422308831_297383_168862008_n.jpg

dysan1

November 21st, 2011, 09:31 PM

Shuttle Routes

http://www.cop17-cmp7durban.com/images/map-shuttle.gif

dysan1

November 21st, 2011, 09:34 PM

Here is the latest People Mover bus map

http://www.cop17-cmp7durban.com/images/map-durban.gif

hi-res pdf
http://www.cop17-cmp7durban.com/downloads/Map-Durban.pdf

Mo Rush

November 22nd, 2011, 03:20 PM

Will be staying on the beach, 4 blocks parallel to the ICC. 1km away. Bring on COP17!

dysan1

November 22nd, 2011, 03:33 PM

PechaKucha will be hosting another Durban meet on the 30th November and include a visit to the priority zone and drinks at the rooftop garden, plus talks all centred around The Public Space. Sould be a great session.

Details on the Durban Pechakucha page on Facebook.

ToxicBunny

November 22nd, 2011, 03:46 PM

Very interesting group, thanks for this dysan...

GregPz

November 22nd, 2011, 04:01 PM

romanSA

November 22nd, 2011, 05:50 PM

Totally agree, Greg, on both counts.

Durban media need a lesson on how not to cover their city (I'm all for free press, but not sensational reporting).

COP 17 is the best event Durban has ever hosted.

romanSA

November 22nd, 2011, 06:27 PM

Here is the latest People Mover bus map

http://www.cop17-cmp7durban.com/images/map-durban.gif

hi-res pdf
http://www.cop17-cmp7durban.com/downloads/Map-Durban.pdf

Thanks for posting this. It's the best People Mover route map, to date.

I like that the route now includes Vic Embankment and Blue Lagoon.

I hope it serves as a pilot project for a future permanent route. COP 17 has been a blessing for the city, if only for getting the People Mover route revised.

romanSA

November 22nd, 2011, 06:33 PM

Shuttle Routes

http://www.cop17-cmp7durban.com/images/map-shuttle.gif

This transport plan should become a permanent template for mega events in the city. It's better than last year's World Cup plan. Wish this could be a permanent transport plan for the city.

romanSA

November 22nd, 2011, 06:36 PM

COP 17: Durban airport scales-up

22 November 2011 - 10:38
By Shaun Ryan

When COP 17 delegates jet into Durban this week, they will be ushered through King Shaka International Airport under tight security.

20 000 delegates are expected to fly into Durban for the UN climate change conference.

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) says some sections of the airport's terminal will be limited only to COP 17 visitors, to minimise overcrowding and delays - as passenger volumes are expected to peak ahead of the holiday season.

Acsa's Colin Naidoo says flight schedules have been properly prepared to ensure that all aircraft have space to land.

He says while VIP planes will be allowed offload passengers, they'll be redirected to park at other airports to avoid congestion on the airstrip.

Some public access routes will be closed off at the airport during the event.

"Until December 14 the pick up area at the airport will be closed off to the public. If the public needs to pick up people they will use the car park and the shaded parking. In the time that they are using the parking, they will be given 30 minutes free parking for that period. We are appealing to the public to use the facilities during this period - and this will give us enough room and areas to move the delegates as they come through."

http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-news?oid=1460382&sn=Detail&pid=490476&COP-17--Durban-airport-scales-up

romanSA

November 22nd, 2011, 06:40 PM

Durban spruces up ahead of climate talks

NIVASHNI NAIR
22 November, 2011 00:02

In less than a week, when world leaders will descend on Durban for the international climate change conference, the city will seek to position itself as a "global leader in the field of climate protection planning".

As the city continues to effect its finishing touches ahead of COP17 - from Monday to December 9 - it cannot wait to showcase its greening projects.

"It is truly an African city, a place of rich contrasts, where sophisticated, first-world urban development and high-density townships give way to undisturbed rural landscapes, where people follow traditional African lifestyles," said Durban executive mayor James Nxumalo.

"It is this diversity that provides the city's planners with similar challenges to those faced by most big cities in the global south. As the host city of COP17, there is a golden opportunity to communicate the municipality's achievements to local, national and international communities."

Besides releasing a booklet, Durban: a Climate for Change , at the conference, the city will also take delegates on tours to greening projects in the hope of being recognised internationally.

The Durban green tours will start at eThekwini water and sanitation department's energy-and-water efficiency building before proceeding to the beach front, where the city's coastal management plan in response to sea-level rise will be explained.

Durban is keen to showcase its low-cost solar water heater project as well as the Durban metropolitan open space system that incorporates areas of high biodiversity value linked together in a viable network of open spaces.

It also expects to be praised for its Bisasar Road landfill, where methane from waste is converted into electricity.

Delegates can also walk across the road from the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Conference Centre, the conference venue, to a rooftop garden.

The city has also promised the more than 15000 delegates and 10000 observers "some fun".

"Durban's reputation as a fun city should be strengthened once again, especially with the number of side-events and happenings taking place around COP17," Nxumalo said, referring to scheduled concerts and exhibitions.

He added that accommodation was already fully booked .

"We are doing everything possible to ensure that our delegates are so comfortable that they only focus on finding a solution to the problems posed by climate change," he said.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2011/11/22/durban-spruces-up-ahead-of-climate-talks

dysan1

November 22nd, 2011, 09:44 PM

Very interesting group, thanks for this dysan...

i have attended every one, they are fantastic!! got a group heading to this one

dysan1

November 22nd, 2011, 09:47 PM

Don't you just love the way Durban papers always manage to put a negative spin on even the most positive stories! They should spend a while with the CT ones which do the exact opposite.

Anyway should be the city's most amazing holiday season ever!! :banana:

Totally agree, Greg, on both counts.

Durban media need a lesson on how not to cover their city (I'm all for free press, but not sensational reporting).

COP 17 is the best event Durban has ever hosted.

The Durban press, like Durban citizens are some of those most "whoa is me how crap is my city" people i have ever met. If they took the other spin they would all be happier...ALWAYS looking for the negative. And yes Cape Town is the other extreme, blow the trumpet for absolutely everything and anything.

A happy medium would be nice. The event is massive for the city. Smile, try understand. But then most Durbanites will just moan that getting to the beach will be hard and that there is no parking "these people must go away"

sigh...

dysan1

November 22nd, 2011, 09:50 PM

Thanks for posting this. It's the best People Mover route map, to date.

I like that the route now includes Vic Embankment and Blue Lagoon.

I hope it serves as a pilot project for a future permanent route. COP 17 has been a blessing for the city, if only for getting the People Mover route revised.

Vic Embankment on the circle route has been around awhile. The Blue lagoon extension is the main and all other stops noted as "a" like 18a.

But yeah it is a great user friendly map... if only they would get the site running properly again...

dysan1

November 22nd, 2011, 09:54 PM

This transport plan should become a permanent template for mega events in the city. It's better than last year's World Cup plan. Wish this could be a permanent transport plan for the city.

Yeah. but i honestly do not think they would get the ridership to justify at this point. Some routes like the airport one are STUPID tat they are not permanent, even if they were every hour only!

Mo Rush

November 30th, 2011, 08:02 PM

The Airport Shuttle should be renamed, "Rapid" Airport Shuttle. Don't think I have ever gone from the Airport to Hotel this quickly. Awesome.

romanSA

December 1st, 2011, 10:37 AM

The last few days have been very hectic for me and I haven't had time to visit. Update time, but first, some news catch-up, starting with Sunday's hectic storm. Wow! Haven't seen one like that in years! Received global coverage.

---------------------

COP 17: Nature Attempts to Instill a Sense of Urgency in Climate Talks

By Bob Petz, November 28, 2011

As if to remind delegates attending the UN COP 17 climate talks in Durban, South Africa of the seriousness of the mission before them, violent storms swept through the host city Sunday night hours before talks were to begin, killing at least 6, destroying homes and flooding parts of the city waist deep.

The 2.5 inches of rainfall is the latest in what has already been an unseasonably wet November in KwaZulu-Natal province, prompting the European Union’s lead negotiator, Artur Runge-Metzger, to ask, “How high needs the water to get in this conference centre before negotiators start deciding?”

Severe, uncharacteristic weather is one of the many predicted outcomes of a global rise in temperature, and Africa is considered to be one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to precipitation extremes.

Sunday’s fatalities come a week after heavy rains and flooding killed 5 and destroyed scores of homes in KwaZulu-Natal.

http://www.ecology.com/2011/11/28/cop-17-flood-deaths-durban/

romanSA

December 1st, 2011, 10:39 AM

Even the ICC basement got flooded...

---------------

UN offers condolences to storm-hit Durban
2011-11-28 20:30

8 killed in Durban floods

Families rescued after Durban flash flood

Durban - The United Nations’ chief climate change official on Monday assured delegates at the COP 17 conference in Durban that the centre in which they were gathered was safe.

UNFCCC executive secretary Christiana Figueres offered condolences to the city, which was struck by a violent storm on Sunday night that killed six people.

The high winds and heavy rain wrecked property, destroyed homes across the greater Durban area, and caused damage to the city’s convention centre.

Earlier, KwaZulu-Natal co-operative governance department spokesperson Mthatheni Mabaso said six people were killed in Umlazi and Clermont townships, south and west of the city, on Sunday night.

"We have been told they died when their houses collapsed. We have also been told that about 100 homes were flooded and damaged in Isipingo," he said.

Homes were flooded in Durban's affluent areas such as Umhlanga and Newlands.

"This shows that even the posh areas are not spared of the effects of climate change," said Mabaso.

Figueres confirmed the convention centre had been damaged in the storm.

"I’d like to reassure participants that this building is safe," she said.

"There has been some damage to the roof and flooding in the basement - but everything was back in place for the opening ceremony," she said.

She was speaking at a media briefing following the summit’s opening ceremony, which started shortly before 11:00 on Monday.

"What we witnessed last night was unseasonable weather... of the type we are seeing all over the world as greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere continue to rise," Figueres said.

Heavy rains

The Sunday night deaths brought to 11 the number of people killed by floods in KwaZulu-Natal in less than two weeks. Last week, five people died in the province due to heavy rains.

Mabaso said Co-Operative Governance MEC Nomusa Dube was set to visit some of the affected areas on Monday.

"She will be accompanied by her disaster management team. They will assess the damage," he said.

Several people, including a 1-year-old baby, were rescued from their Durban homes early on Monday after flash floods, Netcare 911 spokesperson Chris Botha said.

Families in four homes on Randles Road were stuck in waist-deep water after a heavy downfall.

"At around 01:00, Netcare 911 paramedics, their rescue team as well as police search and rescue were called to the four houses that had flooded to waist deep in the heavy rain.

"Rescue personnel assisted an elderly lady and a baby less than one year to safety. Both were treated for the cold and the elderly patient had to be treated for an asthma attack."

In Pietermaritzburg, several areas were damaged by heavy rains on Sunday night.

Paulpietersburg, Gingindlovu, Nkandla and Eshowe were the most affected during last week's floods. Three people died in Paulpietersburg, and two in the eThekwini municipality.

Up to 20 000 delegates from more than 190 countries are gathered in Durban to thrash out a plan to counter global warming and the catastrophic climate change, including extreme weather, it is causing in many parts of the world.

- SAPA

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/UN-offers-condolences-to-storm-hit-Durban-20111128

romanSA

December 1st, 2011, 10:57 AM

Storm gives delegates a wake-up call
November 29 2011 at 02:57pm

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/ca-dnbn-floods-donep5-1.1188763!/image/595428527.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/595428527.jpg

Staff Reporter

Durban’s unseasonal weather, coupled with Sunday’s thunderstorm that claimed the lives of eight people, cast an ominous shadow over delegates at the climate change talks in Durban.

Several delegates used the unusual weather dogging KwaZulu-Natal as proof that weather patterns are changing.

“It is the type of unseasonal weather we are seeing all over the world as methane gas in the atmosphere continues to rise,” said Christiana Figueres, the UN’s top climate change official.

The ICC, where COP17 is being held, suffered roof damage and the basement car park wasflooded. Staff had cleaned up

by the time delegates began arriving yesterday.

Figueres said the Durban talks should build on the decisions made at last year’s conference in Cancun, Mexico.

One of the bones of contention at the climate talks is the $100 billion (R87.4bn) green climate fund that was pledged by developed countries to assist developing countries with climate change.

Figueres said developed countries needed to decide how to ramp up funding for the green climate change, which they promised to provide to developing countries by 2020.

“And let us not forget, they also need to determine if the agreed goal of keeping global temperature increases on track, and if it is adequate, and how and when to consider a 1.5°C maximum increase.

“The second decisive step is to define the way forward in reducing the global emission gas reductions.”

Many delegates fear that if a solution is not found to extending the agreements of the Kyoto Protocol, Durban will go down in history as the place where the “Kyoto Protocol was killed on African soil”.

Minister of International Relations and Co-operation Maita Nkoana-Mashabane, the president of COP17, said the conference was the ideal place for countries to strengthen the trust from the Cancun conference, which she described as “fragile”.

Meanwhile, Poland’s chief climate change negotiator, Tomasz Chruszczo, said extreme weather events were causing severe damage and there was no time to waste.

“If we don’t take urgent action, in five or six years it might be too late,” he said.

Chruszczow and the head of the European Environment Commission, Artur Runge-Metzger, spoke yesterday about the EU’s political position on global warming.

Although the EU has supported the Kyoto Protocol since its inception in 1997, the organisation believes that it is not sufficient for all the needs of today.

Durban will have to set long-term goals and take forward discussions on when global emissions will peak and, according to Runge-Metzger, this peak will be within the next 10 years.

“Kyoto alone cannot save the planet,” he said.

http://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/storm-gives-delegates-a-wake-up-call-1.1188764

romanSA

December 1st, 2011, 07:45 PM

As expected, COP 17 getting lots of foreign press coverage, even in its early days...

------------------

Fossils and Zulu Beehive Huts at the United Nations

By Cathie Adams

http://texasgopvote.com/sites/default/files/Zulu-beehive.jpg

South African leader Nelson Mandela said that, “It always seems impossible, until it is done.” Mandela rightly envisioned the statement to mean freedom regardless of race, an ideal entirely supported by Americans, but the United Nations’ use of the statement during the meeting in Durban, South Africa is not supportable.

When Mandela’s statement is applied to the UN’s legally binding greenhouse gas emission targets, which are either laughably ridiculous or absolutely insane, every American should take care lest the UN’s impossible dream be allowed to destroy our national sovereignty.

The 1997 Kyoto Protocol set legally binding limits on greenhouse gas emissions at seven percent below 1990 levels by 2012, but no country has been able to meet that goal because it would have devastated their economies. The Protocol/Treaty was signed by former President Bill Clinton and unsigned by former President George W. Bush. It was never submitted to the U.S. Senate for the required two-thirds vote for ratification. Democrats and Republicans alike know that there are a myriad of problems with Kyoto.

Even so, CAN International, a coalition of 700 radical environmental groups is in Durban demanding that when Kyoto expires in 2012, a new Durban agreement replaces it to set the greenhouse gas emission targets at least 25-40% below 1990 levels by 2020 and to decarbonize national economies by 2050.

Environmental extremists in Durban have revealed how they think this can be accomplished. They are displaying a Zulu Beehive Hut that they claim is cool in the summer and warm in the winter because of its circular structure with a single door and no windows. The green beehive’s exterior is ladened with plants.

http://texasgopvote.com/sites/default/files/african-beehive.jpg

http://texasgopvote.com/sites/default/files/DSC01281.jpg

One could call it ingenious until he realizes that there is no running water or electricity in the beehive. And that the reason for its round structure is so that snakes are deprived of a corner to hide in! That standard of living cannot even appeal to environmental extremists.

The UN is supposed to be a place for sovereign nations to freely decide what is best for their countries, but the truth is that the UN is bent on micromanaging them into extinction by setting impossible targets then micromanaging them to transfer once-sovereign nations’ authority to themselves.

Canada, for example, was awarded the first place Fossil of the Day by CAN International because it plans to withdraw by Christmas from the Kyoto Protocol. (Each day CAN inflicts their Fossil award on a nation throughout major UNFCCC meetings.) Greenpeace activists responded by setting up LED emergency lights on the Canadian Parliament’s lawn stating “Climate Fail.” This is just one of the ways used by the UN to intimidate delegates to succumb to their extremist wishes.

The U.S. won the second place award accused of being “the worst historical climate polluter” and being “beyond complacent by rationalizing the collective mitigation targets as in keeping with what climate scientists say is needed to avoid global disaster.” They concluded that, “The United States is either in denial about the science, or is trying to thwart justified pressure to improve its own ambition."

Unless Americans are ready to exchange their homes for Zulu Beehive Huts, we had better notify our Congressmen that the inmates are running the asylum at the UN and we want our money withdrawn before they can do irreparable damage to our national sovereignty.

http://texasgopvote.com/sites/default/files/Durban-conference.jpg

http://www.texasgopvote.com/can-international/fossils-and-zulu-beehive-huts-united-nations-003578

romanSA

December 1st, 2011, 07:47 PM

December on Road to Durban: A Green City Journey

December 1, 2011 -- Updated 1832 GMT (0232 HKT)

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/111024035138-durban-port-story-top.jpg
The Road to Durban: A Green City Journey comes from Durban and the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change .

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- December's Road to Durban comes from COP17 in Durban
- We will be hosting a series of panel discussions on subjects coming out of COP17
- Panelists will include Irish President Mary Robinson and head of Greenpeace International Kumi Naidoo

(CNN) -- This month, the Road to Durban will be coming from the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban.

We will be hosting a series of panel discussions on some of the most pressing subjects to come out of COP17.

Panelists joining us will include Irish President Mary Robinson, head of Greenpeace International Kumi Naidoo as well as representatives from the United States and China.

With the international climate treaty, the Kyoto Protocol's first phase scheduled to expire in 2012, we will be asking why it has been so difficult to agree on the right way forward environmentally.

We'll also look at whether the world can afford sustainable growth and pose the notion -- if developed countries got rich by being dirty, why shouldn't developing nations do the same?

Watch the show in December at the following times:

Wednesday, December 14: 10:30, 17:30,
Saturday, December 17: 05:30, 19:30
Sunday, December 18: 12:30
Saturday, December 31: 12:30

(all times GMT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/01/world/africa/rtd-synopsis-december/index.html

romanSA

December 1st, 2011, 07:49 PM

Climate expo drawing the crowds
2011-12-01 20:10

Durban - At the Climate Change Response Expo in Durban, you can drink a Whistling Weasel, or watch a man whip up a tornado at the flick of a switch.

You can also talk to scientists about Gizmo, the new all-South-African pencil buoy, while clutching a replica of the collar bone of a really ancient Australopithecine.

The expo, located next to the Durban Convention Centre, venue for the COP 17 climate change summit, was bustling with people on Thursday morning, despite the oppressive heat and humidity.

"This is like February weather," says Karen Owen, who manages a stall serving beer and wine in the expo’s food court.

The beer - brewed up-province at Nottingham Road - is good, but the names on the bottles are better.

You can order a Whistling Weasel pale ale, a Tiddly Toad light lager, a Pye-Eyed Possum pilsner or a Pickled Pig porter.

Twenty metres away, Alex Kofer is talking to whoever will listen about his "Wizzard" worms. He has 20 000 of them, in a large pool table-sized tray.

Despite their numbers, the worms are difficult to see. They are hidden under a mound of soggy newspaper, cardboard and lettuce leaves, which Kofer has fed them to encourage further production of the compost they create.

"They can eat their own body weight in a day," he says proudly, hauling out a wriggling worm for inspection.

Eat wet cardboard

Kofer says the worms eat "kitchen waste and wet cardboard" and take about four months to produce a tray full of compost.

In a large tent on the far side of the expo, SA Weather Service meteorologist Hugh van Niekerk demonstrates how to make a small tornado.

He does it in a glass chamber the size of a fridge. By creating water vapour and then blowing in some air, to simulate a wind, while at the same time switching on an extractor fan in the chamber ceiling, he causes a mini twister to appear.

It spirals around the chamber until Van Niekerk switches it off. The model is used, he says, to demonstrate at schools.

At the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research stand next door, there is a glass case containing a section from the trunk of a 1 200-year-old baobab tree.

It was found in the Pafuri area near the top end of the Kruger National Park.

According to an attached notice, isotopes in its growth rings have been analysed and the data used by scientists to gain an insight into the climate change (that) has happened during the tree’s growth span.

On the other side of the CSIR stand is Gizmo, a yellow and black pencil buoy.

About 3m high, it has a light on top and is solar powered.

Leave for six months

Marine scientist Sumaiya Arabi says it is a prototype and a wholly South African invention. What makes it special is its low-cost, light weight design.

"It logs data such as temperature, wind speed, currents and algae blooms," she says.

Within the same tent, Dirk Muller, of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, is showing off a fish farm in a container.

"It’s solar powered, has its own battery bank and is mobile and secure," he says, adding that the "farm" could be set up anywhere.

There is space in the container for 360 tanks.

Those managing it simply insert a small tilapia fingerling into each tank and five to six months later take out a 250g to 300g dinner-plate size fish.

"Tastes just like hake," says Muller.

In an exhibition tent on the other side of the expo, Lindsey Smith, an expert in environment law for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in Gauteng, is standing next to a life-size model of an Austalopithecine.

The model is female, naked and less than a metre high.

Fossils

Next to it are two glass-topped cases containing casts of the almost two million year old Pleistocence hominid fossils discovered by world-renowned palaeo-anthropologist Lee Berger about three years ago.

Australopithecus sediba - have proved a major draw card.

"We didn’t anticipate such huge interest in the fossils. We thought the focus would be on the heritage site and the threat from acid mine drainage," says Smith.

On her desk there are a row of small Cradle of Humankind gift packets, each containing a small cast of the collar bone from one of the skeletons.

Close by, the international conservation organisation WWF has a stall.

The woman behind the counter, a former journalist, is handing out pencils made from newspaper, each bearing the iconic panda logo.

"Have one - they show there is a future for the newspaper industry," she tells me with a smile.

- SAPA

http://www.news24.com/SciTech/News/Climate-expo-drawing-the-crowds-20111201

dysan1

December 2nd, 2011, 02:20 PM

Biking for the Baobab

http://www.durbanlive.com/userimages/baobab.jpg

Durban skies may look a little lighter since the giant representation of a baobab tree was installed in the Amphitheatre. The tree was made from recycled wooden pallets, a metal frame and fixed with LED lights. Members of the public can cycle on the nearby bikes set up to keep the tree lit, in an effort to highlight renewable energy during COP 17.

The tree is 15 metres high with branches spanning 7 metres on a trunk that is 5m x 13m in width. Siemens and Osram have donated the tree to eThekwini Municipality as a legacy project after the international conference. People can cycle to light the tree until 10 December. Have you seen the baobab?

ToxicBunny

December 2nd, 2011, 03:01 PM

Thats actually quite awesome..

Really hope it stays where it is after the conference.

Mo Rush

December 3rd, 2011, 04:22 PM

Heading to the launch in an hour. Can't wait.

Lydon

December 5th, 2011, 07:45 AM

Very cool idea!

Diggerdog

December 5th, 2011, 09:16 AM

ToxicBunny

December 5th, 2011, 09:38 AM

Digger, Most of us who frequent this forum have day jobs that keep us away from the centre of town where the conference is happening..

Plus the centre of town is a disaster atm, it takes ages to get anywhere due to all the road closures, convoys etc etc...

Maybe later on in the conference the celebs will start coming out, but so far its been a fairly peaceful affair which I for one am thankful for. I was expecting alot worse tbh.

Mo Rush

December 5th, 2011, 11:35 AM

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvp4o0s08N1qco7hi.jpg

The art of cycling to raise awareness of renewable energy (http://www.futurecapetown.com/post/13743034250/9-of-17-the-art-of-cycling-to-raise-awareness-of)

Marsupalami

December 6th, 2011, 03:00 AM

The best thing to come out of this fiasco of a Congress ( as far as dicissions go ) - is that tree!

Mo Rush

December 6th, 2011, 10:43 AM

Transport. Shambles.

Durbsboi

December 7th, 2011, 01:16 PM

I saw the tree on Sunday night, wondered what it was about.

Project Director

December 9th, 2011, 12:47 PM

Activists beaten at COP17 by Durban 'volunteers'

''Volunteers'' employed by the city of Durban at COP17 yesterday slapped and kicked environmental activists who confronted President Jacob Zuma for not standing up for Africa at the climate change talks.

The heavy-handed actions of the "green bombers" - so called by activists because of their green uniforms and aggression - and of unionists, who kicked an activist, were in full view of the world's media.

After Zuma had told the activists at a report-back session in the Durban City Hall that he felt that it was necessary for him to interact with civil society, pandemonium broke out when placards calling on him to "ditch Europe and the US" and not "let Africa fry" were held up.

The volunteers and Zuma's bodyguards pulled the placards from the activists and tore them up.

When the activists demanded that they be allowed to hold up their placards as part of their interaction with Zuma, the volunteers pushed and slapped them while trying to throw them out of the hall. A group of people, wearing SA Municipal Workers' Union T-shirts, then started singing in support of Zuma.

Zuma did not intervene in the scuffle but had a clear view of the assault on local climate activist Rehad Desai, who was slapped by a volunteer and then pushed to the ground when he called for the president to stand up for Africa.

After Desai fell, the unionists formed a ring around him and kicked him as they sang.

Moe Shaik, the head of the Secret Service, and Cosatu's KwaZulu-Natal secretary, Zet Luzipho, tried to stop the chaos by pushing the volunteers away but the group continued to kick Desai.

After KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize, the programme director, repeatedly called for calm police broke up the scuffles.

Desai and several other activists were thrown out but the volunteers, who started the trouble, remained. No arrests were made.

The meeting continued with Zuma denouncing the chaos as "uncalled for".

"I don't agree with people who disrupt and loot in the name of democracy," he said. "We must tolerate other people's views."

But the activists slammed Zuma, saying he did nothing to protect their rights.

"He just sat there and did nothing. It happened right in front of him," Siziwe Khanyile, of South African environmental group Groundwork, said.

Desai said he was kicked for raising his concerns about speculation that Zuma was planning to side with the EU during the climate negotiations.

He said he had it on good authority that the ''green bombers'' were members of the ANC Youth League, employed by outgoing Durban city manager Mike Sutcliffe to intimidate activists at COP17.

eThekwini municipal spokesman Thabo Mofokeng confirmed that COP17 volunteers were hired and paid by the city, but he rubbished claims that they were told to intimidate activists.

Sutcliffe said the volunteers did not initiate the scuffle.

"The meeting, which was progressing positively, was interrupted by a small group of protestors who chose the opportunity to attempt to disrupt proceedings by raising posters while their own representatives were engaging with the president.

"After a few minutes of disruption, members of the audience tried to get the protestors to take down their posters and allow the proceedings to continue. The situation escalated and a scuffle broke out between protestors and the audience. Security, both SAPS and municipal, became involved and then a few COP17 volunteers, who were standing close by, were drawn into the fray," he said.

The secretary of the ANC Youth League's eThekwini region, Vukani Ndlovu, dismissed the suggestion that the volunteers were recruited from the league, saying they were "just youth".

someone had to COP-IT....DING DING round 2....

SA BOY

December 9th, 2011, 01:53 PM

oh the irony, being beaten for being too green at a global green event

briker

December 11th, 2011, 04:34 PM

It might just be me, but I was expecting a lot more on Cop 17 from the Durban forum here...like, where is the hype, the gossip, the celebrity spotting, the scandal...I mean the Big Boabab is awesome...but it was almost the first interesting post on the conference!

C'mon step it up, flood us with photos and...stuff!

OMG, yes that's Durban for you... their biggest party in town and they are like "now what the hell are these people doing here and when are they leaving?" :lol:
Ive heard about this event on CNN here in Taiwan. It would have been great had Durban made a promotional ad to go with it. But ziltch. Its another opportunity scoundered by Durban I think.

dysan1

December 11th, 2011, 05:23 PM

^^ umm how? Just cause us on these boards are not activists attending the conference there is a problem? I have attended events, seen many of the parades and expos. Galleries and the like, but have not been posting pics and stuff on it.

The Durban and international press have been fully covering the event and the city and whats been going on, do we have to be google for you? I do not see how in any way Durban has "scoundered" this opportunity in any way.

I am sure romansa will put some pics up

dysan1

December 11th, 2011, 05:46 PM

or go to flickr....

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6491695727_e4743d7f48.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6491695731_ce11e9b345.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6491695747_5689e5c5e4.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6491612829_6d1e8080ff_z.jpg

A man walks past an art installation titled 'Between Earth and Clouds' by Nigerian artist Bright Ugochukwu Eke, as part of the 'Dont Panic' exhibition at the Durban Art Gallery during the COP 17 / CMP 7 United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference 2011

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6491612589_b0ebef8277_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6485916311_d3b92899eb_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6485907673_a849e2d5c2_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6485907101_f43abd4d90_z.jpg

This WWF promotional event brought together local artists, boy and girl guide associations around a locally crafted wire representation of the earth to raise environmental awareness. It was themed for the younger generation to look toward their future in the context of COP 17. The crafted piece will be auctioned and the funds used for environmental awareness.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6477924441_e4fe291452_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6475805587_acfdb9c527_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6475779667_b228a26105_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6475781643_9752caec9b_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6485923687_3e330939d8_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6447822651_76179f96f4_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6447802997_0f51f03189_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6482537025_1a4bd63b7d_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6482518475_61587e8dab_z.jpg

dysan1

December 11th, 2011, 05:49 PM

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6481610173_915afd90ba_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6481607297_cc0b653b35_z.jpg

dysan1

December 11th, 2011, 05:50 PM

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6481230799_a68dc383e2_b.jpg

dysan1

December 11th, 2011, 05:51 PM

Nissan Zero Emission Cars

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6480985601_ea42ccde65_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6480985185_20ec5b3594_z.jpg

dysan1

December 11th, 2011, 05:58 PM

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6478001095_98d8067702_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6476631705_a13c7c9053_z.jpg

Green Art at the Bot Gardens

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6476156067_03fdf8879e.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6473726961_67a63328ef_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6473728941_3c2fc7ef23_z.jpg

dysan1

December 11th, 2011, 06:00 PM

Marchs through the Durban city centre

http://www.flickr.com/photos/75594577@N00/6477744759/sizes/z/in/photostream/

dysan1

December 11th, 2011, 06:02 PM

Lion roars for climate action at COP17, Durban, South Africa

2000 children created a spectacular image of a lion to send a roaring message to UN climate negotiators at COP17 in Durban.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6473673109_cba1d82eb9_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6473672441_9db7c5869a_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6473549185_9166fc771a_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6473539621_c2e3b3dd8c_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6473551157_05dabf786c_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6471128741_33eb6f2720_b.jpg

dysan1

December 11th, 2011, 06:12 PM

The Beachfront and the displays on there

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6473217263_952e2c7862_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6473215159_a0c2a2b571_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6473159987_865a7341ff_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6477861599_26d528a4e4_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6452167691_50575e41bb_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6452167025_0844866ed2_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6447148873_339908709f_z.jpg

dysan1

December 11th, 2011, 06:21 PM

Projection on the Durban Hilton

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6467568291_62d58a359a_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6467570927_ff5c7f2806_z.jpg

dysan1

December 11th, 2011, 06:36 PM

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6404442335_12bd5427ef_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6446734667_2048de7418.jpg

romanSA

December 12th, 2011, 08:31 AM

Fantastic pics. Thanks for posting. I have a ton of pics too. I'm hoping to upload and post in the next few days.

briker

December 12th, 2011, 11:39 AM

Now that's the spirit boys! make an international thread too. Dont keep it to yourselves! Looks spectacular ;)

romanSA

December 12th, 2011, 04:43 PM

Some interesting comments on the specific issues that have been raised by some SSC forumers. All the delegates that I met, and hospitality staff that I interacted with, had similar comments....

-------------

COP 17: Durban gets thumbs up

12 December 2011 - 16:25
By Tamlyn Canham

International delegates who have attended the COP 17 climate change talks in Durban have given the city a thumbs up.

Newswatch spoke to people in and around the ICC, who say they are impressed by the way Durban has hosted the high profile event.

It's the biggest conference to be held on African soil, with over 20 000 delegates attending.

The United Nations has praised the city for a job well done and visitors say they are pleased with the running of the event.

"COP 17 has been organised really well. Things like the shuttles have proved invaluable to us. The organisation here, all the volunteers, you couldn't have asked for better help than what they provided us," said a New Zealand delegate.

"It's definitely been a fun place. I love how it is situated right next to the beach and the local people were just so wonderful - and have been really warm and welcoming to us," added another COP 17 official.

"I've really enjoyed it. Everyone has been really friendly," said an activist.

"I think they did a great job housing this conference and I think you have taken the opportunity to promote the agenda about Africa."

http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-news?oid=1488712&sn=Detail&pid=490476&COP-17--Durban-gets-thumbs-up

GregPz

December 12th, 2011, 05:45 PM

Also glowing reviews from delegates in the Mercury today. The UN chief co-ordinator said it was one of the best organised COP summits and Durban's mayor got a standing ovation from delegates. Greenpeace also praised the city for "excellent infrastructure and open spaces for NGOs" as well as the restraint from local police. I'm sure the full article is on their website.

romanSA

December 12th, 2011, 08:07 PM

Vindication for those who believed in the city's capability in the face of those who argued that Durban wasn't the best city to host the event as accommodation wouldn't be sufficient, or good enough. In fact, the opposite held true. Durban coped fantastically well. And it hosted Matric Rage, a major sold-out soccer match final, and the start of the matric holidays simultaneously in the last week and days of COP17 too. The only complaints I ever heard were from two people on this website. We all know that Durban media love being negative and blowing things out of proportion but even they were full of praise. I think the city's excellent showing bodes well for other mega-conferences the city will undoubtedly bid for in the future.

romanSA

December 12th, 2011, 08:28 PM

Durban makes climate change history

12 December 2011

COP 17 in Durban will go down in history for setting a new path for the world's climate policies.

The United Nation's climate chief, Christiana Figueres, says the Durban package which was adopted yesterday by nearly 200 countries, will create a dramatic shift in the coming decades.

The package sets up the Green Climate Fund which will be essential to helping poor countries adapt to the world's changing climate.

It also guarantees a second commitment to the Kyoto Protocol.

Most importantly it commits all nations, including the United States, to a legally binding agreement to be approved in 2015 and adopted in 2020.

Figueres says Durban and South Africa have much to be proud of.

"I just want to thank the city of Durban for having hosted us, and above all the South African presidency for this really remarkable, remarkable COP. I wish we had seen more of the city," she said.

"President Mashabane herself, with whom we had a huge roller coaster up and down the past two weeks - but here we are completely under-slept, under-fed but very, very grateful and happy with the results," said Figueres.

By Thrishni Subramoney

http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-blogs-cop17-news?oid=1488521&sn=Mini-Site-Detail&pid=1453641&Durban-makes-climate-change-history

dysan1

December 12th, 2011, 08:38 PM

i say hosting 25000 COP crew, 80000 matric ragers and a sell out soccer final is no mean feat! And this weekend the summer holiday masses have been arriving in droves. Best summer season ever for the city is a high possibility.

DBN-boom

December 13th, 2011, 05:11 PM

Check this out! Priceless. Good ol Greenpeace and Durban's Kumi Naidoo made it happen for #COP17
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFaCDrPbHUE

DBN-boom

December 13th, 2011, 05:17 PM

Durban’s warmth more memorable than pact
The Mercury on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 2:12am.

WHILE the calibre of the global climate-change deal signed in Durban on Sunday has been questioned, organisation of the event has impressed delegates.
Salwa Dallalah, the UN’s chief co-ordinator for the 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said that Durban had hosted one of the best-organised COP summits and should be proud.
“I am very pleased because many delegates said how well it has been organised. The UN, city of Durban and government of SA have pulled off an impressive event,” she told The Mercury....

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150425489438208

*Gremlins meant we could not update our site on Monday, so we posted it to our facebook page...

romanSA

December 14th, 2011, 07:17 PM

Check this out! Priceless. Good ol Greenpeace and Durban's Kumi Naidoo made it happen for #COP17
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFaCDrPbHUE

Thanks a great clip! Profiles the ICC, the city's skyline, and beachfront very nicely. :cheers:

romanSA

December 14th, 2011, 07:42 PM

ICC Durban reflects on COP 17

14 Dec 2011 12:06

BizLike

Following the hosting of what is described as one of the largest and most complex conferences in the world, the management and staff of the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) are able to reflect on their successful performance as the host venue of the COP17/CMP7 conference.

Whether it was communicating with overseas parties, meeting with local embassies, coordinating VIP arrivals or arranging safe, secure holding areas during the conference, the venue demonstrated the required level of knowledge and experience and was able to deliver a top class event to the international environmental community.

"The ICC received positive feedback from delegates who appreciated the friendly professional service, African hospitality and the world class facilities offered by the ICC team," said CEO Julie-May Ellingson.

Meetings galore

The event called for 27 simultaneous meeting rooms with the capacity to host between 20 and 500 delegates, 2 plenary halls hosting between 1300 and 1900 delegates, 235 administration and country delegation offices, 800 computer internet stations, 278 exhibition stands in the ICC exhibition centre, a large travel and accommodation desk and three banking facilities.

Meeting rooms were booked back to back with the ICC Durban hosting 2520 meetings over the two-week period. This is a feat, taking into account that each meetings venue had to be refreshed before and after each meeting. Additionally, country delegations hosted meetings in their own offices and meeting rooms and there were hundreds of impromptu and informal meetings held all over the precinct.

Feeding multitudes

There was enormous demand over the period of the conference for the culinary services provided by the Durban ICC, through its four catering venues and for individually ordered beverages, meals, snacks and food platters. Delegates consumed 40 000 beverages and 58 250 meals, the most popular meal being the South African braai (barbeque) menu with 8600 kilograms of chicken leg quarters being sold. As part of its menu offering, it also cooked 2200 kilograms of beef, 985 kilograms of hake and 1840 kilograms of lamb. Biodegradable packaging was used to serve all the meals including individually pre-packed biodegradable cutlery with toothpicks and serviettes.

Role-players acknowledged

All the major role-players worked together with the ICC Durban to ensure a well-coordinated event. The roles of Expo Solutions and Conference Communications are acknowledged, as without them it would have been impossible to deliver a successful event. Further important role-players included the National Intelligence Agency, South African Police Services, eThekwini Metro Police, Airports Company South Africa, Hotel Security Staff and the UNFCCC Security.

The contracted waste management company, Re-Ethical Environmental Re-Engineering (KZN), focused on maximizing the recovery of recyclable materials from the waste stream. Statistics reveal that by avoiding waste disposal to landfill sites, a carbon emission saving of 40 751 kilograms of CO2 was achieved. Recycled material from the conference totalled 32 030 kilograms.

Client praise

Salwa Dallalah, senior co-ordinator for conference affairs services with the UNFCCC commented on their experience at the Durban ICC. "The major asset of the ICC is its staff. From the guard at the door, the cleaners, the technicians to the CEO, all worked round the clock to see to the last detail of proficient conference facilities in an African setting. It offered hospitality basking in the Durban sun and the odd cooling showers, when umbrellas would quickly be provided. The space provides spacious corridors, ample daylight, numerous indoor and outdoor areas for formal and informal discussion, instrumental for the success of the conference.

"It also provided the delegations with functional meeting rooms equipped with modern state of the art technology for negotiators communicating in the six UN official languages. The chefs saw to it that negotiators did not need to work on an empty stomach. They brewed good coffee, catered for vegetarians and served a variety of the delicious Durban cuisine with its Indian and African flavours."

"It has been a real privilege to have worked with the UNFCCC and been party to the successful hosting of COP17/CMP7. As one of the largest conferences in the world it has required team work, ingenuity and a good sense of humour," concludes Ellingson.

http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/40/68660.html

romanSA

December 14th, 2011, 07:43 PM

Durban cuisine a hit at COP 17

14 December 2011 - 09:56
By Natarah Nadesan

COP 17 delegates aren't only returning home with hope for a better, healthier planet - they are also leaving with fond memories of the East Coast.

Some of these include the plates of delicious food they were served at Durban's ICC.

In fact, organisers at the convention centre say there was high demand at their four catering venues for individually ordered beverages, meals, snacks and food platters.

In total, delegates consumed 40 000 drinks and 58 250 meals.

The most popular meal was the South African braai menu with 8 600 kilos of chicken leg quarters being sold.

Biodegradable packaging was used to serve all the meals.

http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/40/68660.html

GregPz

December 16th, 2011, 11:24 AM

Here's comments on Durban's hosting of COP17 from Dr. Ann Braudis, Co-Chair of the UN Committee for Sustainable Development.

Report from Durban
Ecology and Development | Mon, Dec 5, 2011

By Ann Braudis, MM

Source: Center of Concern
Personal reflections from a Maryknoll advocate for the integrity of creation.

From Durban

I am writing briefly from Durban, South Africa, where I am attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference. First I’ll make a few observations about Durban and my impressions of the people. Then I’ll give an account of my perspective regarding the Conference.

Simply said, Durban is beautiful! Since it is located along the shore of the Indian Ocean, I had not expected to find hilly terrain but hilly it is, with a magnificent range of vegetation including abundant flowers. The people, however, are the real source of charm. They are friendly and well organized contributing greatly to the Conference atmosphere. We have been provided with very efficient free transportation to and from our lodgings and many other services like free computer, internet and phone service for calls any place in the world. Even free bicycle use!

All the Conference events are located in the same area; a big improvement over Cancun. This also facilitates easy communication among those of us who are connected through the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development at the UN.

Regarding the Conference, we continue to hold our collective breath regarding a favorable outcome. It would be difficult to name any country more responsible for slowing down the process than the United States. I notice that the Natural Resources Defense Council (of which our November Sustainable Development Committee meeting speaker, Jacob Scherr, is a member) joined many other prominent organizations in sending an urgent letter of complaint to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Regarding the Kyoto Protocol, some are advocating continuing with a second commitment period ending in 2017 (not 2020) and working toward establishing a third Commitment period that would hopefully include the United States. The targets for reducing carbon emissions would have to be reexamined and it is possible that some currently developing nations, not now included in obligatory emissions reduction, would either be included or would project a date for inclusion. This may provide a face saving alternative for the United States, although it seems that the US clearly favors developing an altogether new climate change treaty. This would take years to do and would delay facing responsibly the crisis that is upon us today. The agenda of working together as one body of Earth citizens is enormously challenging: We need to forge ahead and build on what has been achieved with so much work over the past 20 years.

There have been many excellent Side Events. I attended a four hour seminar on Climate Change and Ethics at the University, featuring the work of Dr. Donald Brown who will be our Committee speaker for the December meeting. The seminar was excellent. The necessity of working hard to understand the UNFCCC process, with its multiple components was pointed out at the outset. I have renewed my ambitions in this regard. The most compelling component of the program was a diagnosis of the climate change disinformation campaign in the US, including a clear citing of its financial backers and the private benefiters. The grave crime against humanity represented by allowing the Earth to suffer the catastrophic changes of which we have been warned by a consensus of global scientists, including the US Academy of Scientists, was addressed in terms of raising the necessary outrage and courage to publically blame those responsible. On the same subject, another speaker addressed the betrayal of public trust on the part of elected officials in presenting as public good that which is clearly for private benefit.

Listening to the buzz about the corridors here, one could easily conclude that the US is mainly an advocate for private enterprise and profit.

Tomorrow there will be a briefing by the US government for Americans affiliated with environmental groups. I hope I’ll be admitted, I remain hopeful that there may be a breakthrough!