The 17th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 17), will be held in the sunny city of Durban, South Africa, from 28 November - 9 December 2011.
With the development of a Municipal Climate Protection Programme, as well as the institutionalization of climate change within the municipality, the city has provided an important framework for the implementation of a number of climate change projects. These projects focus on adaptation and mitigation measures for the city as well provide a platform from which to generate socio-economic benefits.
The city's pilot Green Roof Project and large-scale community reforestation projects show how Africa's biodiversity can become a tool, not just for climate change adaptation and mitigation, but also to create economic development opportunities. Within an African context, Durban's renewable energy and climate change mitigation projects are regarded as revolutionary.
The City's continued commitment to broadening the climate change dialogue with other South African cities, as well as its respected reputation within the international climate change arena, has secured its position as a climate change leader.
Beyond the challenges of climate change, Durban regards the protection of the broader natural environment as a critical part of the city's planning and management. This is demonstrated through projects such as the protection of Durban's open spaces and biodiversity, the initiation of large-scale domestic recycling projects, poverty relief programs that provide jobs through the clearing of invasive alien plants, improved inner-city public transport systems and the development of innovative water technologies and catchment management programs.
As a sporting and events host, Durban's commitment to environmental sustainability extends to the greening of events. During the FIFA World CupTM Durban demonstrated its ability to host large-scale carbon neutral events, thus minimizing the impact on the natural environment.
The COP 17-CMP 7 will mark a critical moment in the ongoing international climate change negotiations, and Durban is a fitting host for an event of this magnitude and significance.
For more information contact Agostinho Zacaria, UN Resident Coordinator/ UNDP Resident Representative, UNDP South Africa on tel: +27-12-354-8006; or go to http://www.undp.org.za.
