Climate Change, Smart Power, and the World Ocean

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 JAKARTA 000539 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR D, P, EAP, OES COMMERCE FOR NOAA USAID FOR A/AID FULGHUM, AA/EGAT, AA/ANE, AA/LPA, RDMA/BANGKOK AND ANE NSC FOR JBADER, EPHU, HVARMUS AND CEQ E.O. 12598: N/A TAGS: SENV KGHG EAID AORC EFIS PREL ID SUBJECT: Climate Change, Smart Power, and the World Ocean Conference REF: JAKARTA 433 and previous ¶1. (SBU) Summary. The May 11-15 World Ocean Conference (WOC) and Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) Summit in Manado, Indonesia is an unparalleled "smart power" diplomacy opportunity. We can showcase our environmental and climate change leadership on the road to Copenhagen and beyond. We can strengthen our cooperation with Indonesia, a major greenhouse gas emitter and possible supporter of binding commitments for developing countries. And, as the largest bilateral supporter of the Coral Triangle Initiative, we can demonstrate practical contributions to marine conservation. Secretary Clinton told President Yudhoyono that she would send a "high-level U.S. delegation" to the World Ocean Conference. We request information on who will head that delegation. End Summary. Major Economies Forum and Copenhagen: Advancing our Agenda -------------- -------------- ¶2. (SBU) High-level USG representation is essential to the WOC's success. With the participation of at least seven heads of state, 2,500 participants from over 100 countries, scientists, NGO representatives and worldwide media coverage, we can use the WOC to advance our policies on climate and the environment. Our high-level participation will help to cultivate the Government of Indonesia's constructive engagement in the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate that President Obama has proposed. We will accomplish this in part by signing a Manado Ocean Declaration that draws attention to the relationship between climate change and the ocean. ¶3. (SBU) Indonesia, as a major developing country, can be particularly helpful in urging countries like China and India to be flexible and creative in seeking a global climate change agreement at Copenhagen. During Secretary Clinton's visit, Indonesian officials told Special Envoy Todd Stern they welcomed U.S. leadership on climate change under President Obama. They offered to help us in any way possible, including as an intermediary with countries like India and China. Indonesia would certainly welcome a major speech on our climate policy from our head of delegation. Strengthening the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership -------------- -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Through high-level engagement and support for the WOC, we will advance our broader Comprehensive Partnership with Indonesia, a major economy and greenhouse gas emitter. We are encouraging the participation of U.S. companies like Google and Mars, academic and scientific institutions and NGOs in the WOC and side events to advance that broader partnership. During her visit, the Secretary discussed climate change cooperation and told President Yudhoyono that a senior-level USG official would participate in the WOC. Anything less would be disappointing to Indonesia. Real Environmental Leadership: The Coral Triangle Initiative -------------- -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Our support for the CTI, President Yudhoyono's initiative, is also important to Indonesia. The first CTI Summit will take place during the WOC. As a key CTI partner and the largest bilateral donor, we need to be represented at the highest possible level. We can take this opportunity to demonstrate to Indonesia, the region and the rest of the world that we are making significant financial, technical and political commitments to address climate change and the world's environment. The CTI is the first multilateral partnership of its kind, addressing the linkages between climate change, marine conservation, and food security. The six CTI heads of state (Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands) are planning to come, as well as Prime Minister Rudd from Australia, and the leaders of the Seychelles and Kiribas. ¶6. (U) The CTI is also remarkable because it is the first time that three major non-governmental organizations (the World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, and The Nature Conservancy) are working collaboratively on a major environmental program. During the CTI Summit, the international heads of these organizations will meet together for the first time in their organizations' histories. We're Back: Getting the Message Out -------------- ¶7. (SBU) The WOC presents a timely and strategic public diplomacy opportunity for us to reinforce the message that the U.S. is ready to take leadership on climate change. Any messages delivered by USG representatives during this week will be heard throughout Indonesia and the region, for a start, and across the globe if we get our delegation right. We expect the Indonesian press and some of the JAKARTA 00000539 002 OF 002 Jakarta-based international correspondents to provide coverage of the WOC and CTI Summit from Manado. Two Chinese news agencies have registered with the organizers, and more foreign press will do so over the coming weeks. ¶8. (U) The GOI has warmly welcomed substantive U.S. contributions to the WOC program. This includes a proposed keynote address by Dr. Nancy Knowlton, the Sant Chair in Marine Science at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, whose trip is being coordinated by our Public Affairs Section. The organizers have also invited National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco to give the keynote address for World Ocean Policy Day on May 13. They would welcome any additional contributions by senior USG officials and policymakers. ¶9. (SBU) We continue to urge the highest-level USG delegation possible (including senior officials from State, USAID and Commerce/NOAA). Meanwhile, the Embassy will continue to lay the groundwork for this delegation's success in advancing our bilateral and international goals through the WOC and CTI Summit. HUME