INDONESIA - COP 13 PLANNING

UNCLAS JAKARTA 001252 SIPDIS DEPT FOR OES/EGC; OES/DRC; OES/IET; OES/ETC/TED DEPT ALSO FOR EAP/MTS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SENV KTIA TPHY TBIO ID SUBJECT: INDONESIA - COP 13 PLANNING 1.(U) This is an action request. See paragraph 7. ¶2. (SBU) Summary: On May 1, Minister of Environment Rachmat Witoelar asked embassies and donor partners for their support during a briefing on Indonesia's plans for hosting the 13th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 13) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bali, December 3-14, 2007. Several high-level participants shared comments about plans for supporting the conference or other climate change control mitigation activities. Following the meeting, Witoelar privately told Charge that he wanted COP 13 to focus on areas of international agreement, not division. The Minister plans to visit the United States later in the year to meet with high-level climate change contacts and develop a mutually beneficial agenda for the conference. He asked for our help to develop an appropriate schedule. End Summary. COP 13 Planning -------------- ¶3. (U) At a working lunch on May 1, Minister Witoelar and staff briefed approximately 40 representatives from the international donor community on Indonesia's plans for hosting COP 13. The MOE expects over 10,0000 attendees at the event. Their estimates include approximately 2,000 attendees from delegations of 189 countries; approximately 2,500 media and press attendees; and 6,000 participants from civil society, nongovernmental organizations, universities and private companies. In addition to the official meetings of the COP 13, Indonesia expects 800 sessions and side events, including a possible Governor of Bali sponsored event inviting key governors involved in climate change mitigation activities. The Government of Indonesia (GOI) will invite California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to this event. ¶4. (U) MOE staff outlined a series of events, workshops and meetings that COP 13 organizers are using to plan for the event, including a pre-COP planning meeting in Bogor in September. The MOE reported that funding sources included GOI budget financing of $16,000,000 and welcomed support from donors for related workshops and activities. MOE noted that the Asian Development Bank had pledged $200,000, and that Norway and Germany had each pledged $500,000 for supporting activities. Indonesia plans to conduct bilateral workshops and meetings in key countries to develop the program. Donor Assistance -------------- ¶5. (U) A number of Mission representatives made brief statements of support for COP 13 related activities. Most significant contributions included: -World Bank commitment to provide $1 million for pilot projects related to deforestation and land degradation, along with $500,000 for COP 13 planning activities. --Australia's recent announcement to fund AUS $200 million (USD 165 million) in forestry and climate change activities, with the intention to direct 25% of this fund to Indonesia. --United Kingdom's commitment to provide $500,000 to conduct an inventory of greenhouse gases, measure emissions in the region, and formulate a strategy for mitigation and adaptation. --U.S. spending on clean technology would have major impact on climate change. Environment Minister to Visit U.S. on Climate Change -------------- -------------- ¶6. (SBU) At the meeting's conclusion, Witoelar privately told Charge that he wanted COP 13 to focus on areas of international agreement, not division. Although his staff would be visiting many countries to establish COP 13 priorities, he personally planned to visit the United States if the right level official were available to meet him, perhaps in August or later. The GOI wants COP 13 to make concrete decisions on climate change and Witoelar wants to learn what Washington believes can be accomplished at this meeting. Comment and Action Request -------------- ¶7. (SBU) We intend to work closely with our Ministry of Environment colleagues on identifying areas of mutual agreement on climate change for COP 13. Embassy will consult with MOE on Witoelar's travel plans and his goals for the visit. We request Department guidance on which USG officials might be available to meet with the Minister this summer. HEFFERN