World Climate Conference Important facts about the COP 23 in Bonn
BONN · UN police will patrol territory under diplomatic immunity as delegates, NGO representatives and journalists descend upon Bonn from all over the world. Here are some important facts about the upcoming climate conference.
It’s only three letters and two numbers. But it pulls a lot of punch. “Conference of the Parties” is the “COP” part of COP 23 and the number represents the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties. The term COP 23 will always and forever be affiliated with Bonn. The World Climate Conference will create an exceptional situation at least in Bonn-Gronau and at the Rheinaue, the huge grassy park at the Rhine River. Here are the most important facts about the temporary facility set up for participants of the conference:
Participants: At this time, no one knows exactly how many participants are coming but up to 25,000 people are expected. Besides delegates from all around the world, there will be representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and more than 1,000 journalists. They are not all expected to be in the same place at the same time, but rather there is expected to be a healthy coming and going. Also on board are around 600 helpers from the UN volunteer program.
Bula Zone: The conference will take place in two zones. In the Bula Zone, which is located in the former government quarters around the WCCB and behind the Deutsche Welle, the actual negotiations will take place. “Bula” means welcome in Fiji. Germany is hosting on behalf of the tiny nation island, which was actually to be the organizer of the conference. From this coming Thursday, the area between Heusallee and the Rhine will be closed to the public, and will be considered extraterritoriality - under diplomatic immunity. UN police will patrol the area.
Bonn Zone: This is the temporary facility that has been erected in the Rheinaue Park. Around 400 events will take place here. Around 8,000 people are expected to be here at the same time, distributed amongst 40 different pavilions in the tent city. The area is also closed to the public, accessible only with the proper credentials.
Transfer Zone: The area between these two zones is designated the transfer zone. Most of this area will remain open to the public during the conference, also along the Rhine. Participants can ride in electric shuttle buses between the zones and around 600 bicycles will be available to them.
Tent construction: The tent is supported by a steel lattice construction. Inside are conference rooms, rooms for seminars, a cafeteria, media room, and a medical center.
Catering: Up to 1,500 persons can eat in the cafeteria at one time. Lunch costs between ten and twelve euros. Most of the food is vegetarian and at least half of it is organic. Garbage will be kept to a minimum. Every participant receives a water bottle made of recycled materials which they can refill during the conference.
Garbage: To avoid unnecessary waste, the UN is mainly avoiding printed materials and relying on digital communications instead. Recycled materials are being used as much as possible.
After the conference: When it’s all over, it will be up to gardeners to get the grassy area back into shape again. After three months of the tent city, there isn’t likely to be much grass left. The cost of bringing the area back to normal again is expected to be taken from the overall budget of the conference - around 117 million euros.
(Original text: Rüdiger Franz / Translation: Carol Kloeppel)
