What is COP?
The Conference of Parties (COP) is an annual conference for the UNFCCC members to meet up and discuss climate change.
A Little about COP23
COP23 will be focusing on:
1. Accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement
2. Catalyzing and supporting climate action happening at a global scale
The special thing about COP23 is that the conference is led by the Presidency of Fiji (Fiji is the host) but hosted off-site in Bonn (where the UNFCCC Secretariat is). So, the host team works closely with the secretariat of UNFCCC, both governments, the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the city of Bonn in organizing this conference.
COP23 is fused with the Fijian Bula spirit, which means hello or welcome, with a deeper sense of wishing others a blessing of affection and good health. The conference plans on showcasing Fijian and Pacific culture, art and life. I would say that Fiji hosting the COP23 is a great reminder to all that small island nations are facing the greatest threat of global warming. The design of the logo was meant to act as a reminder that rising sea levels are affecting not only small island developing states but also coastal cities in many other countries.
Bonn, as the host city, has been known as a sustainably oriented city. It has hosted many environmental conferences and organizations, including the UNFCCC Secretariat.
Bonn, as the host city, has been known as a sustainably oriented city. It has hosted many environmental conferences and organizations, including the UNFCCC Secretariat.
Setup of the Conference
Two zones will be set up for COP23: The Bula Zone and the Bonn Zone. The Bula Zone will act as the formal negotiating zone will the Bonn Zone will act as the climate action zone.The Bula Zone
The Bula Zone spans from the World Conference Center Bonn to the UN Campus as well as a temporary extension. Plenary halls, meeting rooms, delegation offices, a media and press center as well as catering and other facilities are prepared for a variety of activities.
The Bonn Zone
The Bonn Zone will host global climate action events (including high-level events), side events, media events, exhibits, and pavilion events. Request for renting spaces in both zones will need to be submitted to the General Contractor for COP23 by 9 June 2017.
The distance between the two zones is about 1.4km, which is a 15-minute walk or 9-minute drive. Shuttles are provided to commute between the two zones. But, I feel that the most exciting thing about traveling between the two zones is that bicycles are provided for free! Yay!
Here's a virtual tour of the conference venue:
Here's a virtual tour of the conference venue:
Sustainable Aspect of the Conference
The conference aims to be climate neutral through a series of action plans, hoping to offset the unavoidable emissions (like flights). Actions include virtual participation, paper reduction, European Eco-Management, and Audit Scheme (EMAS) verification, vegetarian catering and etc.
Registration and Badging
Bula Zone [Pink Badge] - Access to Bula Zone and Bonn Zone
Bonn Zone [Yellow Badge] - Access only to Bonn Zone
More Information
- COP23 Bonn Information Hub: http://newsroom.unfccc.int/cop-23-bonn/
- Information for Participants (learn more about other conferences that will happen during COP23): http://unfccc.int/meetings/bonn_nov_2017/items/10068.php
- COP23 Presidency Website: http://cop23.com.fj/
