http://www.thenewage.co.za/32673-1010-53-Start_of_preCOP_17_consultations

 

The pace is hotting up as the deadline for the upcoming COP 17/CMP7 International Climate Change Conference in Durban at the end of November draws closer.

The South African government, which is hosting the event that is expected to draw about 30000 people from around the world, is involved in feverish logistical preparations, including ensuring broad local participation in the event.
As part of this process, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane began hosting the traditional pre-COP 17/CMP7 ministerial consultations yesterday.
As incoming COP 17 president, Nkoana-Mashabane has a mandate to undertake inclusive and transparent consultations in order to facilitate work towards the success of the conference.
The aim of the pre-COP consultations is to exchange views on critical issues that could contribute to consensus building in the formal party-driven process in the run-up to COP 17/CMP7.
Countries representing regional and negotiating blocs in the climate change negotiations, as well as the secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the chairpersons of subsidiary bodies and of the open-ended working groups, are participating in the pre-Cop 17 consultation process taking place in Stellenbosch. - 701198