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Saturday, December 19, 2009

Side event convened by Brazil, India, South Africa and China on mitigation action


15 December 2009

South Africa is calling for Copenhagen to deliver a 2-track outcome: (i) 1 track for the outcome of negotiations under the Kyoto Protocol on further commitments by Annex I Parties for the 2nd and subsequent commitment periods - namely an amendment of Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol; and (ii) the 2nd track for the outcome of the negotiations under the convention.

In accordance with the science and in line with their historical responsibility for emissions, all developed countries must commit to ambitious, economy-wide legally binding emission reduction targets, of at least 40% reduction below 1990 levels by 2020. Annex 1 Parties to the Kyoto Protocol must take these commitments for the 2nd and subsequent commitment periods under the Kyoto track.

Annex 1 Parties that have not ratified the Kyoto Protocol (particularly the USA) must be brought into a framework of comparable legally binding emission reduction targets under the Convention track.

South Africa accepts that achieving the ultimate objective of the convention cannot be achieved by one part of the world on its own. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that both deep absolute cuts in Annex I countries and a decline in emissions relative to business as usual in some developing regions by 2020 and in all regions by 2050 is required to achieve the lowest stabilisation levels assessed, and prevent impacts on millions of people at risk, in particular the poor.

South Africa recognises that as a responsible global citizen, we want to take more action, not only because we have a responsibility for future generations, but also because the science tells us that we are very vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. While we insist on the right to development, we will do everything within our capability to achieve our development and poverty eradication objectives in the most sustainable manner possible. Given our unique circumstances, we consider that sustainable development policies and measures, which are development-oriented actions that have the co-benefit of avoiding emissions, are particularly appropriate nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs). The eradication of poverty and dealing with the legacy of Apartheid are fundamental national priorities which require that we have the space, time and resources to develop. The country is already undertaking significant mitigation actions in relation to: energy efficiency in commerce and industry; mechanisms to support the roll-out of renewables and alternative energies; working towards integrated rapid transit systems; and the role out of solar water heaters, including for poor households. However, without financial and technology support, it will not be possible to do more than what we are already doing.

On 6 December, President Jacob Zuma announced that South Africa would undertake a range of nationally appropriate mitigation actions. The extent of these actions depends on support by developed countries. With financial and technological support from the international community, these actions will enable the country’s emissions deviate below what we project business as usual emissions would have been in 2020, projecting forward from a starting year of 2003 - deviation by 34% below BAU by 2020 and by 42% by 2025.

This level of effort would enable emissions to peak between 2020 and 2025, plateau for approximately a decade and decline in absolute terms thereafter. We have demonstrated, through our study of mitigation potential in the long-term mitigation scenarios and through our assessment of our nation’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, our willingness and readiness to mitigate our emissions and to take action to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

A positive outcome in Copenhagen is central to our ability to enhance our action on climate change. The extent of the actions to be taken by South Africa, and other developing counties, will depend on the provision of support, from the international community for mitigation and adaptation actions, and in particular through finance, technology and support for capacity building from developed countries, in line with their commitments under both the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Bali Action Plan. It depends on us agreeing fair, ambitious and effective agreements in Copenhagen.

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
15 December 2009
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs (http://www.deat.gov.za/)

Sunday, December 6, 2009

GEF Funds for iSimangaliso Wetlands Park

LOAN AND CREDIT SUMMARY

WASHINGTON, December 3, 2009 - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the following project:

GEF Trust Fund Grant: US$9 million

Project ID: P086528

Project Description: The objective of the Development, Empowerment and Conservation in the Isimangaliso Wetland Park and Surrounding Regional Project in South Africa is to contribute towards the improvement of ecosystem functioning of the Lake St. Lucia and Umfolozi River System through initial activities related to restoration of key ecological processes whilst contributing to local economic development and improved livelihoods. The project will start the restoration of wetland habitats of global importance.

Media Contact

Francois Gouahinga

(202) 473-0696

fgouahinga@worldbank.org

For more project information, please click here.


For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Mkhuze Rhino found in good health

November 23, 2009;

MEDIA RELEASE No: 2009 - 18  

 MKHUZE RHINO FOUND IN GOOD HEALTH
For Immediate release:
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff in the Mkhuze section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park report that the white rhino bull in the Mkhuze Controlled Hunting Area that was supposedly wounded by a hunting client some months ago has been found to be in excellent health although is “a bit skittish.”
Three Mkhuze field rangers positively identified the animal by its unique ear notches and horn shape recently and after a lengthy examination through binoculars found no trace of a wound.
The Conservation Manager of Mkhuze also examined the animal a short while later while waiting for the EKZNW vet to arrive to confirm their observations.
He saw no trace of any wound and noted that the animal moved normally in all respects although it was “quite skittish” and disappeared into the thickets before the vet could examine it.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife CEO Dr Bandile Mkhize noted that the apparent dispute over the fate of the rhino had been resolved.
“I met the hunting outfitter Mr Gary Kelly and his legal team on 19 November 2009 and this whole matter has been amicably resolved,” said Dr Mkhize.
“The issue around this particular rhino has always been concern on the part of all parties about its welfare and Mr Kelly and his client have expressed relief that the rhino has been found in good health,” he added.
“Neither Mr Kelly nor his client have expressed any further interest in the trophy value of this rhino,” said Dr Mkhize.
“I thank all our concerned members of public for their comments expressed through the media and would like to assure them that although this incident was most unusual, its resolution came through frank and open discussion by all the parties concerned,” he said.
 AJG/ Media Release No: 2009 - 18    22-11-09 
Media:
For further information contact the Media Manager on 033 845 1235; email jeff@kznwildlife.com or fax 033 845 1299.

Suspected Poachers Arrested

November 13, 2009;

MEDIA RELEASE No: 2009 - 17  

 SUSPECTED POACHERS ARRESTED
For Immediate release:
 
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) rangers arrested two suspected poachers after a  short late-night chase outside the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park on the night of 12 November 2009.
Acting on information the EKZNW rangers, consisting of staff from both Hluhluwe and iMfolozi sections as well as the iMfolozi Anti-poaching Unit, set up observation posts along the R618 road  where it enters the Park on the eastern side.
At about 10.00 the waiting rangers saw a vehicle stop just outside the boundary of the Park and saw three men get out and walk towards the point where the R618 enters the  Park.
The three men apparently became suspicious and moved back to their vehicle at which point the rangers went after them.
After a short but hectic chase involving the suspects’ vehicle and EKZNW vehicles, the  suspects’ vehicle was forced to a halt between the Kangala Store and Mawombe High School still on the R618 about four km from the Park boundary.
One of the suspects, who was seen to be carrying a pistol, jumped from the back of the moving vehicle, an Isuzu van, and managed to escape, while the two men sitting in the cab were arrested.
They were found to be in possession of an unlicensed rifle of very old manufacture, rounds of .357 magnum ammunition as well as an axe.
The two suspects were taken to the KwaMsane Police Station and charged with the illegal possession of an unlicenced fire-arm and ammunition.
“This is another most encouraging example of the dedication of the field staff in our protected areas,” said Mr Sifiso Kheswa, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Acting Executive Director of Biodiversity Conservation.
“I commend all staff involved in this incident, and reiterate our warning to those who would plunder our wildife resources that they do so at their peril,” he added.
 
 AJG/ Media Release No: 2009 - 17     13/11/09 
Media:
For further information contact the Media Manager on 033 845 1235; email jeff@kznwildlife.com or fax 033 845 1299.

Guilty plea in fisheries case

November 4, 2009;

MEDIA RELEASE No: 2009 - 16  

 GUILTY PLEA IN FISHERIES CASE
For Immediate release:
 
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) coastal staff report that David “Clive” Kenton (63)  of 1122 Bluff Road, Durban, has again been sentenced in court on charges relating to a contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act.
The case arose when EKZNW Fishery Control Officers approached Kenton and two companions on 01 September 2009 at Banana Beach.
Kenton made a dash for the sea while the EKZNW officers were inspecting the bags of his two diving companions, and was seen to empty the contents of his bag into the water.
He was subsequently charged with obstructing a Fishery Control Officer in the course of his duties.
His two companions each paid fines for being over the bag limit of East Coast Rock Lobster.
A plea of guilty was tendered by Kenton on the 02 November 2009 in Port Shepstone B Court in front of Magistrate Karen Scheepers and he was sentenced to R10 000 or 10 months imprisonment, half of which was suspended for 5 years.
Kenton made front page headlines in 2003 when he was arrested in Pretoria with nearly 250 kg of illegal crayfish and was sentenced to R60 000 or 2 years imprisonment.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife reminds the public that the closed season for East Coast Rock Lobster began on 01 November, during which time it is illegal to catch and keep or to possess them.
The Admission of Guilt fines for marine offences have been increased in most courts in KZN, with the fines in respect of East Coast Rock Lobsters being increased to R500 per offence.
 

 AJG/ Media Release No: 2009 - 16 
Media:
For further information contact the Media Manager on 033 845 1235; email jeff@kznwildlife.com or fax 033 845 1299.