COP23: UNFCCC Official Side Event (14 Nov, 18:30 - 20:00)
Report of UNFCCC COP23 Official Side Event in Bonn, Germany
“Sailing the Past into the Future: Building upon Traditional Knowledge, Pacific Islands Take the Lead in Sustainable Sea Transportation”
Since the 23rd session of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP23) was presided over by the Fijian Presidency, greater attention has been given to island countries with regard to climate change. The OECC, together with the Republic of Palau and Okeanos Foundation for the Sea, organized a UNFCCC official side event, which focuses on sustainable Pacific Islands, building upon traditional knowledge as well as advanced technology.
The event was attended by the President of the Republic of Palau, the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Vice President of Federated States of Micronesia, and entities supporting project development. Pacific leaders showed their keen interest on the regional proposal to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for the project introducing canoes propelled by fuel-free technologies.
Also, it was reported that renewable energies have been steadily promoted in island countries through the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) projects, complying with their mitigation goals as stated in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Both projects, one for the GCF project in the pipeline and another for the JCM project which has issued credits, align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as the typical climate of islands.
Video Coverage by UNFCCC Climate Change Studio is available at:
YouTube – UNFCCC Climate Change Studio Channel
Okeanos Vaka Motus are traditionally designed sailing canoes built with modern materials and propelled with solar energy and coconut oil. This particular canoe was displayed at the entrance of the negotiation area of the COP23 venue (Bula Zone), as a symbol of the first-ever presidency from Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Reference
Side Event Report by Okeanos Foundation for the Sea
Date
14 November 2017, Thursday, 18:30-20:00
Venue
Meeting Room 9, Bonn Zone
Organizers
Republic of Palau, Okeanos Foundation for the Sea, and the Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center, Japan (OECC)
Agenda
Moderator:
Mr. Kosi Latu (Director General, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme: SPREP)
Speakers:
- H.E. Tommy E. Remengesau (President, Republic of Palau)
- H.E. Hilda Heine (President, Republic of Marshall Islands)
- H.E. Yosiwo P. George (Vice President, Federated States of Micronesia)
- Ms. Dame Meg Taylor (Pacific Ocean Commissioner)
- Dr. Emiko Matsuda (Senior Researcher, OECC)
- Mr. Dieter Paulmann (CEO, Okeanos Foundation for the Sea)
- Ms. Iva Nancy Vanikura (Fijian Voyager and Okeanos Skipper)
Exhibits
The OECC provided the most recent information material related to the JCM at the OECC exhibit as well as Japan Pavilion in the Bonn Zone of COP23. Around 250 visitors visited the booth and the Pavilion to follow-up and get to know more details about the status of JCM.
The electronic publications including a poster and brochures are uploaded in the UNFCCC website.
OECC Exhibits
Date
Monday, 6 November – Saturday, 11 November 2017 (1st week of COP23)
Venue
COP23 Bonn Zone, Area G, 12.03 (2nd floor)
A JCM Trailer has been on its first run with current JCM facts using infographics that shows the JCM progress, and also plenty of photos related to project sites in progress of low-carbon technology introduction through the JCM.
The JCM trailer is available at Columns.
Many visitors showed a keen interest in the JCM, including its latest status, designs and rules, requirements for participation, and how to treat the issued credits.
JCM outreach at the Japan Pavilion
Date
Monday, 6 November – Wednesday, 15 November 2017
Venue
The credit issuance poster displayed in the side event room fostered visitors’ understanding on the progress of the JCM. At JCM / Technology Day held in the first week, a colorful stand-banner attracted passengers of Pavilion areas with photos of JCM projects around the world. Furthermore, the JCM brochures were distributed to the audience of the side events and displayed at the networking area as one of the important initiatives by Japan.