Fiji Calls for Pacific Island Countries to Voice Opinions in Durban

Fiji has reminded Pacific Island countries on the importance of having their voices heard at the Pre 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 7th Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties (CMP7) to the Kyoto Protocol.

The meet which is currently underway in Durban, South Africa will see Fiji and the Alliance of Small Island Development States (AOSIS) and Pacific Island Development States (PSIDS) push vigorously for an outcome that will ensure the continuation of the critical Kyoto Protocol and its associated strategies.

Fiji's delegation to the meet took a bold stand this week after telling delegates that Fiji would not allow South Africa to become the "graveyard of the Kyoto Protocol", adding that they would not leave Durban without a Second Commitment period to the Kyoto Protocol and a legally binding agreement to that effect.

Fiji met with the two groups (both PSIDS and AOSIS) to refine their strategies which will be pursued this week.

The Ministry of Environment permanent secretary Taina Tagicakibau is leading Fiji's delegation to the meeting which will see 77 countries come together to work out common areas of cooperation in climate change.