S Africa Continue to Raise Awareness on Climate Change Ahead of COP17

South Africa deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Rejoice Mabudafhasi on Wednesday welcomed the South Africa Agulhas polar research and supply vessel to Durban. This is the second leg of the Pre-COP17 voyage intended to raise awareness on climate change issues ahead of the international climate change negotiations to be held in Durban later this month.

Mabudafhasi encouraged cooperation among various institutions to enhance the objectives of South Africa in dealing with ocean research, particularly in the southern oceans.

"It is important to understand the ocean processes involved in regulating the effects of climate change," Mabudafhasi said.

She said the objectives of the voyage have been fully met and these include creating awareness on the role of oceans in regulating the effects of climate change.

The voyage had top-overs in Port Elizabeth at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and at Durban's uShaka Marine World.

"Exhibitions and activities in Port Elizabeth and Durban gave an indication and demonstration that learners, educators, university students and the general public are interested in knowing the role of the oceans in climate change. The various stakeholders have also showed a willingness to participate and collaborate in current and future research activities that the Branch is conducting," the minister said.

According to Mabudafhasi the voyage was also a success with regard to enhancing human capital development by training the youth to conduct scientific research and testing equipment that will be used in the upcoming South African National Antarctic Expedition voyage.

The voyage highlighted the capabilities of the new supply and research vessel which will be delivered in South Africa in March 2012. The SA Agulhas II is one of the first vessels globally that have been constructed to the new International Maritime Organizations' Safe Return to Port requirements.

"The Southern Ocean has been identified as an important carbon sink, that is most of the carbon dioxide emission in the atmosphere is absorbed there" the deputy minister said, highlighting the importance of research in Antarctica and Southern Oceans.

According to the department of environmental affairs the third and final leg of the Pre-COP17 voyage from Durban to Cape Town will consist mainly of training for young scientists, interns and students whilst further testing the research equipment on the vessel. Training will be conducted on aspects such as data collection and analysis of physical, chemical and biological oceanography which help to understand the role the ocean plays in climate change.

Meanwhile on Wednesday the South African government called on citizens to show support for the COP17 conference by wearing green on Friday.

"Whether it's a cap, a T-shirt or even your Bok jersey," the department of international relations said in a statement.