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Published on December 4, 2007

Despite expectations about this historical gathering on climate change, officials in their opening speeches clarified what could and could not be expected from the United Nations Framework on Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC).

"It will not deliver a fully negotiated climate change deal," said Rachmat Witoelar, Indonesia's environment minister and president of the conference.

"It is time for practical adaptation action, an adaptation fund, technology cooperation and an initial phase of action to reduce emissions and deforestation in developing countries," UNFCCC's executive secretary Yvo de Boer said.

Regarding the period when the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012, de Boer said: "It will free up the negotiation capacity needed for the post-2012 process."

The two-week international meeting will last until December 14. Some 1,500 members of the media are covering the event, which is being attended by thousands of delegates and participants.

"Bali is like a paradise, but it is highly vulnerable to climate change impact. The outcome of the conference will help determine whether it will become a lost paradise or not," de Boer said.

"It is time to stop negotiating and move into implementation," he said.

"Parties need to create the tools that can reduce emissions cost-effectively and enable economic growth. Items relating to the ongoing work under the Convention and Protocol need to be speedily concluded at Bali," he said. "It is essential that vulnerable developing countries are in a position to draw up plans to prepare for climate change impact," Witoelar said.

"Shaping the future may seem like the impossible task of squaring a circle of conflicting interests. All beginnings are difficult. But we can find a way if we focus on creating opportunities rather than being paralysed by the threats," de Boer said.

For host country Indonesia, one main issue it is expected to push for is that of reducing deforestation, which is a subject before the Bali conference.

"Deforestation across the globe is a significant contributor to human-induced climate change, and it is vital not just that we take action now, but also that this issue is a central element of the future climate regime," Witoelar said.

With efficient implementation of current measures under the Kyoto Protocol, it is expected that global carbon dioxide emissions could be reduce by 2.5 billion tonnes, mainly through the protocol's clean development mechanism, UNFCCC stated.

After the opening speeches, dozens of formal and informal talks and negotiations began in various rooms inside the Bali International Conference Centre and surrounding five-star hotels.

Side events were also held by both government and non-government individuals, groups or organisations in order to raise new debates or continue ongoing debates on climate-change-related issues.

Apart from official delegations, activists and civil groups are also active participants at the conference. Some were allowed to put up official exhibit stands. Many were actively lobbying delegates in the various side meetings.

Yesterday afternoon, about 20 environmental activists gathered in front of the BICC handing out posters and dancing and singing.

 Kamol Sukin

 The Nation

Bali