04 September 2009
Speech
DELIVERED BY AMBASSADOR GJ MTSHALI
PLENIPOTENTIARY AND
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN
PERMANENT MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS ON
BEHALF OF THE HON B SONJICA
MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Secretary General of
the United Nations,
Secretary General of the WMO,
Heads of UN agencies and other international
organisations,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
South Africa would like
to firstly, congratulate the WMO on the
successful hosting of this Third World Climate
Conference and secondly, thank the Government
and people of Switzerland for their warm
hospitality.
Mr Chair, the science
of climate change has been widely accepted
by the international community. We all agree
that this is a major global challenge with
significant impacts that require global
and multi-lateral solutions. The science
has also clearly demonstrated that that
the adverse effects of climate change are
already being felt and that these impacts
will be most severe in developing countries,
with the African continent and Small Island
Developing States being uniquely vulnerable.
South Africa’s actual
experience of the adverse effects of climate
change and climate variability thus far,
include, short term impacts of extreme weather
events; medium term impacts such as seasonal
drought cycles; and long term impacts related
to the gradual temperature increase, sea
level rise, decadal shifts in precipitation
patterns and ocean acidification.
Mr Chair, let me be
absolutely clear; as a developing country,
South Africa’s over-riding priorities are
poverty reduction and socio-economic development.
In this context, our immediate priorities
include the urgent delivery of basic human
development services to the poor and most
vulnerable, and include ensuring access
to housing, water, sanitation, food security,
energy, transport, education and public
health services.
However, in many African
countries, it is becoming increasingly clear
that our ability to deliver on these fundamental
developmental priorities, at all levels,
is being persistently undermined by these
short, medium and long term climate impacts.
Therefore, we stress that an agreement on
a comprehensive international adaptation
programme is a priority outcome of the current
international climate change negotiations
under the UNFCCC. Supporting and building
capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate
change and manage climate variability risks
to society and the economy at national,
regional and global levels, has become a
high development priority.
Mr Chair, experience
has taught us the importance of the interface
between science, policy and society to ensure
that development priorities are effectively
and efficiently addressed. Therefore, we
stress the need to underpin any adaptation
and risk management responses with reliable
science-based information which is matched
to user needs, full stakeholder participation
and effective communication frameworks.
It is against this background
that South Africa enthusiastically supports
and welcomes the resolution of this Conference
to establish a Global Framework for Climate
Services.
We consider this global
initiative an important step to ensure that
our collaborative management of the adverse
effects, risks and impacts of climate change
and climate variability are informed by
science and are needs-based and country-driven
with the full participation of stakeholders.
South Africa stresses
that the Global Framework is not about “re-inventing
the wheel” but must in fact build on, create
coherence among, support and strengthen
existing initiatives, programmes and institutions,
and support the dissemination of best practice,
particularly those in developing countries.
For example, South Africa is already significantly
participating and investing in the various
elements that could be included in a Global
Framework. These efforts should be strengthened
and identified gaps filled, such as:
Investments in base
infrastructure such as high performance
computing, earth observation systems, weather
radars, lightning detections systems, and
automated weather stations
The World Meteorological Organisations’
Severe Weather Forecast Demonstration Pilot
Project to allow for timely and accurate
forecasting of high impact weather events
Supporting the newly established Meteorological
Association of Southern Africa (MASA)
The development of a Risk and Vulnerability
Atlas, to facilitate access by stakeholders
to relevant information on climate, risk
and vulnerability and which incorporates
the use of traditional and indigenous knowledge
Data communications between national weather
services remain a major weakness in Africa
resulting in the loss of data and limited
provision of meteorological information
and requires appropriate technology transfer
and needs driven capacity support.
Renewed global efforts and resource mobilization
to increase observations in developing countries
is urgently required to improve our adaptation
capabilities.
In conclusion, the South African delegation
and I would like to commend the delegates
in this conference for advancing the discussion
on the interface between science, climate
policy and fundamental livelihood sectors
needed to contribute to the achievement
of the Millennium Development Goals. South
Africa is committed to continue playing
an active role in the development and implementation
of the Global Framework for Climate Services.
I thank you.
+ More
The Salvage Team Continues
to Monitor the Area Surrounding a Settling
Tank
18 September 2009
Media Statement
Department of Environmental Affairs
FRIDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER 2009: Following the
release of a small quantity of residual
oil from the ‘SELI 1’ on Thursday 17th September,
the salvage team continues to monitor the
area surrounding a settling tank. Further
investigation has revealed that an old crack
at the top of the settling tank, repaired
by the ship’s own crew previously, was dislodged
due to the action of heavy seas pounding
the casualty yesterday, causing seawater
to wash in and out of the settling tank.
This settling tank had earlier been pumped
out by the salvage team and only residual
oil remained. Salvors are effecting temporary
repairs to the crack that should withstand
the effect of waves washing in and out of
it.
Safety of life is a
priority. High seas currently being experienced
on site are at times causing waves to overwash
the deck and salvors have introduced additional
measures to ensure the team’s safety.
Since the fuel removal
operation began 7 days ago, 404 tonnes of
fuel have been removed from the grounded
bulk carrier. Continued adverse sea conditions
on site have prevented the launches ‘Ocean
Pride’ and ‘Kuswag IV’ from returning to
the casualty today. The salvage team onboard
continues to pump fuel from lower lying
double bottom tanks to topside tanks and
skimming in the engine room continues.
While conditions on
site are expected to moderate from tomorrow,
concern remains that residual oil may be
released from the casualty in high seas
and proactive precautionary measures put
in place last week to reduce the environmental
impact of any oil pollution remain in effect.
An oil pollution boom is still deployed
at Milnerton Lagoon and response teams remain
on standby. Members of the Public are kindly
requested to keep clear of the boom and
other equipment on site. The pollution patrol
aircraft Kuswag 9 continues to overfly the
casualty daily and this morning reported
no oil pollution.
As we move into the
weekend, the ‘SELI 1’ Joint Operations Committee
is again appealing to Members of the Public
– specifically those undertaking recreational
activities such as surfing, kite surfing,
canoeing/paddle skiing - to keep well clear
of the grounded bulk carrier in the area
of Table View beach as the fuel removal
operation continues. This is for their own
safety as well as for the safety of the
salvage team and to prevent any disruption
to the operation. Co-operation in this regard
is appreciated.
The Joint Operations
Committee, chaired by the South African
Maritime Safety Authority and attended by
relevant authorities and involved parties,
continues to meet daily as the fuel removal
operation continues. Environmental protection
remains a key priority for all involved.
The committee includes representatives from
SAMSA, Department of Environmental Affairs,
SMIT Salvage, SANCCOB, City of Cape Town
– Disaster Management, Robben Island Museum,
Transnet National Ports Authority, amongst
others.
For further information kindly contact:
Capt Dave Colly (South African Maritime
Safety Authority)
