![Mooning over Ban Ki-moon]()
by admin | Dec 2, 2016 | MYD2016
I saw an Asian man walking past one of the booths I was squatting at with a noticeable number of guards and the press. I was surprisingly allowed entry into the tightly-controlled room, and lo and behold – it was Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General. It was one of the most incredible moments of my life, as my teammates would attest to if my fangirling was any indication.
Signing ceremony of a bilateral agreement between Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Gabonese. From L-R: President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea; United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon; and, President Ali Bongo Ondimba of the Republic of Gabonese
I managed to compartmentalise my excitement to learnt that he was hosting a signing ceremony of a bilateral agreement between Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Gabonese. He commended President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea and President Ali Bongo Ondimba of the Republic of Gabonese, and stated that ‘the event today is a testimony to the determination of the countries to move with a common vision to strengthen and respect the international rule of law, and contribute to lasting peace and good neighbourly relations.’
The ceremony marked the successful conclusion of the UN mediation that started in 2008 but was attempted even earlier by former Secretary-General of UN, Kofi Annan, on finding a mutually acceptable solution to the border dispute between the two countries for submission to the International Court of Justice.
The dispute involves three small islands in Corisco Bay, Mbanie, Cocotiers and Congas that are near the border of the continental territory of Equatorial Guinea. It can be traced back to 1972, although it ‘peaked’ in 2003 when Gabonese Defense Minister Ali Bongo visited the islands and reasserted Gabon’s territorial claim to them.[1]
What is interesting, is that the disputed waters are expected to hold large commercially exploitable reserves with fields on north sides of the Corisco Bay area to have wells with reserves of several hundred thousand barrels of oil each. The dispute has prevented oil companies from carrying out a full exploration of the nearby offshore waters.
It is notable that both countries are major oil exporters, with Equatorial Guinea being the Sub-Saharan Africa’s third biggest oil producers while Gabon’s crude petroleum export contributes to 80.9% of the country’s total exports in 2014 as Africa’s fifth largest oil producing country.[2] The UN has been working on resolving the sovereignty dispute over the Gabon-occupied Mbane Island and create a maritime boundary in the hydrocarbon-rich Corisco Bay, so yesterday’s ceremony should be good news… or, is it?
Equatorial Guinea is ruled by a dictatorship and is criticised to use the oil revenues to fund lavish lifestyles for the small elite, meanwhile less than half of the population has access to clean drinking water,[3] and nearly 10% of the children do not live to 5 years old.[4] Corruption, poverty and repression reign the country that has the highest wealth ranking in Africa, ranked in the top 12 list of most corrupt states by corruption watchdog Transparency International.
The Republic of Gabon on the other hand heavily depends on the export of oil and manganese to sustain its export-driven economy. However, it has been reported that about 30% of the population remains vulnerable, living with monthly incomes below the guaranteed minimum wage and that basic social services such as healthcare, drinking water and electricity have deteriorated in 60% of the regions in the country.[5] So what does this mean?
I could not find Equatorial Guinea’s NDC, but the Republic of Gabon states that within the period of 2010 – 2025, it intends to reduce GHG emissions by 63% but also that land change accounts to 63% of current GHG gases.[6] What I am concerned about, is whether this ‘compromise’, in the words of President Ali Bongo Ondimba would result in greater exploitation of oil reserves which is contrary to the direction we would want to go in reducing GHG emissions and use of fossil fuels.
However, I can’t help but wonder if I am thinking from a paternalistic ‘developed country’s’ point of view by judging their use of natural resources to accumulate wealth. After all, I am sure Spain and France had suffered no qualms in exporting their resources back home during their colonisation. It is also interesting how the historical context of this dispute as well as others, can be pointed to the territorial boundaries drawn by European colonisers. This was mentioned by one of the national negotiators I spoke to and got me thinking about these disputes as yet another effect of colonisation. But this is a conversation for another day.
My point, however, is the distribution in the use of resources and the priorities of these countries in using the oil reserves that I am certain they will. Will the profits be used to line the coffers of the top elite in Equatorial Guinea and further stack power to quell dissent, or would they be used to such an extent that resources diminish, but the welfare of people are still stagnated or if developed, not in proportion to the environmental and climate cost? Would the riches gained from them be used to equip themselves and the most vulnerable communities like the Pygmy,[7] to adapt to climate change?
I was ecstatic that I could witness such a momentous event with my own two eyes, even taking a full half hour to stop squealing like an excited pig. However, digging a little deeper has muddied it for me – I am not concerned about what the agreement would mean to climate change. Yes, in the words of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon are ‘brothers’ bound by history and geography, but would this relationship be shouldered and later polluted from the petroleum industry as the private petroleum companies clap their hands in glee?
Written by Nachatira Thuraichamy
Edited by Choy Moon Moon
References:
- http://www.irinnews.org/news/2004/01/23/un-mediates-dispute-over-corisco-bay-islands
- http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13317175; http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/gabon/overview; http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/gab/
- https://www.hrw.org/africa/equatorial-guinea
- http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13317175
- http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/gabon/overview
- http://www4.unfccc.int/ndcregistry/PublishedDocuments/Gabon%20First/20150331%20INDC%20Gabon.pdf
- http://www.iwgia.org/regions/africa/gabon
![The Life of a Yellow Badge]()
by admin | Dec 2, 2016 | MYD2016
Preparation to attend the year’s biggest climate negotiations, the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP22) started six months ago. I was elated to have been chosen to represent the Malaysian Youth Delegation (MYD). Being of Sri Lankan origin, to enter the Malaysian climate change scene was an achievement in itself for me. Together with a bunch of like-minded Malaysian Youth and a support system of buddies, my journey to COP22 began in May 2016.
Apart from the rigorous application process we the MYD 2016 had to go through, we had a training series spanning six months to make sure we were prepared for the big challenge ahead. It was no easy task, juggling a Final Year Project, an internship at an International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO), and the workload from MYD through the summer break. The training sessions required extensive reading into the subject matter of the UNFCCC, we refer to as the Bible.
My goal at COP22 was to shadow a national negotiator of Malaysia and Sri Lanka respectively, and write-up on how the two developing like-minded countries approach the negotiations to safeguard their respective national interests. I took my time off my busy schedule to follow not only Malaysia’s interest at COP but also of my motherlands. Little did I know that both countries’ negotiators wanted me to follow them into the negotiation room, something I could not do with my yellow ‘Observer’ badge. They were of the view that watching and observing was the best way to learn and gather knowledge for my article.
Jasmin, Dulanga and Kelvin posing with their badges
Life’s a climb and hiccups are unavoidable. Here in sub-Saharan Africa I was, let down by my Yellow badge unable to attend every single meeting I wanted to attend. So what does one do? One adapts! I changed my personal goal to suit my badge. I didn’t completely abandon my initial plans. I did catch a few dinners with a Malaysian negotiator and a few coffee sessions with three Sri Lankan negotiators. However, my main objective after I reached COP was to link the differences and challenges faced by the global south.
For a COP held in the global south, from day 1 I felt that the global south’s representation was minimal. Every working group, meeting and side event I attended was flooded by the vocal global north. The disparity in voicing out ideas between them was clearly observed and I was amused by it because it is the global south that is most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
The benefits of a yellow badge meant I could take part in all the actions organised. Since I was engrossed in the meetings and interviews I was carrying out with the delegations of Malaysia and Sri Lanka, I was able to devote only my weekends for actions. Climate March took place on Sunday with a huge youth turnout. Youth voiced out on freezing fossil fuel, fracking and called for leaders to be more transparent.
That is the summary of how a yellow badge changed my goal at COP and what a lot it taught me. The disparity between the north-south divide made me appreciate the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities more than ever, and the yellow badge opened my eyes not only towards negotiations, but the entire COP experience in general. Ever so grateful to MYD for giving me this opportunity, which was truly life changing.
Written by Dulanga Witharanage
Edited by Choy Moon Moon
![马来西亚于第二十二届缔约方会议展示减少毁林和森林退化所致排放量方案]()
by admin | Nov 29, 2016 | MYD2016
马来西亚青年代表
(马拉喀什, 14日讯) 马来西亚自然资源与环境部部长拿督斯礼万祖奈迪医生今日出席《联合国气候变化框架公约》 (UNFCCC) 在马拉喀什举行的第二十二届缔约方会议（the 22nd Conference of the Parties)，为马来西亚阁 (Malaysian Pavilion) 进行开幕仪式，并发表马来西亚致力保护森林的决心，全力推动减少毁林和森林退化所致排放量方案（REDD+）。在场的《联合国气候变化框架公约》 (UNFCCC) 官员也见证了马来西亚呈递并讲解减少毁林和森林退化所致排放量方案保障报告 (Malaysia REDD+ Safeguard Report)。
马来西亚自然资源与环境部部长拿督斯礼万祖奈迪医生为马来西亚阁进行开幕仪式
除此之外, 活动当天也邀请了联合国粮食及农业组织 (Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO)，越南以及印尼主讲减少毁林和森林退化所致排放量方案在东南亚进行的各项目范例。其他讲座包括非洲西部区域合作森林检测案例，来自世界自然基金会 (WWF) 亨利先生主讲成立多年由马来西亚, 印尼以及文莱一起合作的婆罗之心 (Heart of Borneo) 森林资源管理项目, Carbon Trust 的斯迪芬先生 (Mr Chris Stephens) 分享如何利用森林管理筹资应对气候变化。来自马来西亚猛公湖 (Tasik Temenggor) 班定岛 (Pulau Banding) 的原住民也于现场呈现民主舞蹈, 吸引了许多不同国籍的观众。
马来西亚青年代表
马来西亚青年代表团成员嘉斯敏（Jasmin Irisha Jim Ilham），张翔隆 (Kelvin Diong Siong Loong)，娜察娣拉（Nachatira Thuraichamy），蔡满满 (Choy Moon Moon) 以及都琅雅（Dulanga Withanarage）也借此机会与拿督斯礼万祖奈迪医生会面，雀跃之心向部长简介马来西亚青年代表团于国内气候变化推广教育活动，以及第二十二届缔约方会议跟进各谈判会议，并进一步了解国家对今年4月22日于纽约签署的《巴黎协定》（Paris Agreement）以及《京都协议》与2012年的《多哈修正案》（Doha Amendment）动向。
环境部部长拿督斯礼万祖奈迪医生, 蔡满满 & 娜察娣拉
BERNAMA & 嘉斯敏
参加第二十二届缔约方会议（Conference of Parties 22) 的马来西亚青年代表团在为期两周的大会中不仅代表马来西亚青年与来自全世界的青年就气候变化课题交流,更积极跟进大会会议,如《巴黎协议》特设工作组 (APA) 会议, 缔约方会议 (COP), 《京都协议》 缔方会议 (CMP), 以及第一届 《巴黎协议》缔方会议 (CMA1)，了解气候谈判过程并孜孜不倦地向马来西亚谈判团团员以及各气候社团如 Third World Network, Youth NGO (YOUNGO), Climate Justice Network 等理解历年案例和先进国与发展中国家针对气候议题的周旋与微妙关系并学习谈判技巧。各国于大会中商讨的议题包括减缓和适应气候变化，共同但有区别的责任原则 (Common but Differentiated Responsibilities)，气候变化带来的损失和损坏 (Loss and Damage), 气候资金 (Climate Finance)，技术开发和转让 (Technology Development and Transfer)，行动和支持的透明 (Actions and Support on Transparency), 全球总结 (Global Stocktake) 等已列入《巴黎协议》的项目，为2020年后的气候变化应对部署行动。
翔隆 (Kelvin Diong) 现场报导
![Malaysia and UN REDD+]()
by admin | Nov 29, 2016 | MYD2016
The Minister of the Natural Resources and Environment (NRE), YB Dato Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi at the launch of the outcome report to the UNFCCC Secretariat
The Malaysia Pavilion was officially declared open today by the Minister of the Natural Resources and Environment (NRE), YB Dato Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi. The event was also graced by the presence of many VIPs which included Malaysia’s Ambassador to Morocco, Dato’ Jamal bin Hassan. 14th of November, 2016 was named UN REDD+ Day (the United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries) at the Malaysia Pavilion and many sessions were conducted under the said topic.
The Minister also launched the ‘Report on Summary of Information on How REDD+ Safeguards are Addressed and Respected in Malaysia’. International rules of REDD+ were formulated through the Warsaw Framework. The program refers to national forest monitoring systems, results-based financing and reference levels. The program promotes rights of indigenous people and forests dependent communities as well.
Malaysia boasts of 70% forest cover (more than two-thirds of its land area), one of the highest recorded in the region. The Malaysian government successfully lobbied to include oil palm and rubber plantations to be classified as ‘forest’. This was accepted by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). These plantation areas are classified as ‘Permanent Forest Estate’, which is very misleading to the public. The natural ecosystems and forest habitat available in Malaysia are in fact much less than the claimed 70%. The country is left with approximately 50% primary forest cover, and these forest patches remain fragmented. Monocrop plantation corporates keep lurking around these fragmented forest patches. The more monocrop plantations that spring up, the higher the forest cover of Malaysia will be according to the current statistics.
Trees store carbon acting as a carbon sink. When deforestation occurs, the carbon that is stored in trees is released into the atmosphere. Deforestation that takes place in tropical areas contributed to approximately 15% of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide. Peatlands and forests across the tropics are cleared for monocrop plantations. Malaysia has in recent years taken many initiatives to promote sustainable forestry. Mangrove and peat forest management efforts taken by Malaysia in some states are in fact, noteworthy. However, mass scale clearcutting of peatlands still occurs in Malaysia despite efforts of the UN REDD+ implementation.
The UN REDD+ was adopted to the COP agenda in the context of climate change mitigation. Developing countries whose Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) focus mostly on climate change adaptation, should take initiatives to implement the REDD+ program to tackle mitigation. REDD+ was acknowledged as a core part of a new international climate change regime at COP21 in Paris last year. The Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) informal consultations at COP22 referred to REDD+ for maintenance of forest carbon stocks. Malaysia is on the right track in terms of REDD+. However, there is a long way to go to ensure Malaysia’s tropical forests safety for maintaining lower emissions.
The Minister stressed on Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring sustainable forest conservation was quoted saying “Malaysia has an ambitious REDD+ strategy to address the holistic forest management requirement and looks forward to accessing the international finance and support required for its successful implementation”.
Written by Dulanga Witharanage
Edited by Choy Moon Moon
![Climate March in Mummed Marrakech]()
by admin | Nov 29, 2016 | MYD2016
Last Saturday the MYD team made our way to El Harti Stadium in Marrakech, Morocco for the Climate March that started at 2 pm for a 3km walk with thousands of other NGOs and climate activists. We carried a banner that said ‘Fossil Freeze’ with the Singaporean Youth for Climate Action (SYCA) and chanted together with the WWF (my favourite was ‘I say Panda, you say Power! Panda – Power! Panda – Power!’). Participants were in high spirits and in a sea of colours, although I personally expected a greater number.
Fossil Freeze!
I think that day was an important one as it was Marrakech’s first climate march in a country with increasing crackdown and censorship on dissent. There have been criticisms about the temporary unblocking of Voice over International protocol (VoIP) i.e. Whatsapp, Skype and Viber during COP22 that will otherwise be blocked. Why does this matter? Because blocking of platforms to share information is often linked to authoritarian cultures in the country as a means for the government to control how and where information is shared. This is particularly important in raising awareness and expressing on climate policies and issues.
For example, the villagers in Imider have been protesting for five years, the Imider Mine that happens to be Africa’s largest silver mine, for threatening their water access and agricultural livelihoods. The controversial ‘occupation’ (as described by United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon) of Morocco in Western Sahara has a place in the government’s climate policies; permits have been issued to several companies to explore oil and gas reserves in the region. Further, a significant part of Morocco’s ‘green development’ is planned to take place there as well, and this includes two large solar plants and four wind farms. Were their interests represented in the decision-making process considering how these projects are to take place on their doorstep? Were their voices heard at all?
There were groups protesting the deforestation of forests in Morocco as well as the coal-fired power plant in an already-polluted Safi that has already attracted several protests locally, and Standing Rock. These groups were given an insulated platform to express their views and bring the spotlight on these issues that affect communities and climate change.
While the WWF were shouting out to keep ‘fossil fuels in the ground’, and that ‘1.5 degree Celsius is totally possible’, other groups like the Green School Bali were demanding the protection of water and forests but also protested against palm oil plantations. When we joined the Green School Bali, we held a sign that read, ‘Listen to the Youth’ that MYD advocates as a team as well.
MYD modelling the ‘Listen to the Youth’ sign
I love getting on the ground, so climate actions and the march was something I thoroughly enjoyed. I like that everyone gets together for a common cause, demonstrating and expressing themselves in various ways, from drums and music to catchy gimmicks and banners. It felt great to share the same spirit and the feeling of solidarity on issues that are usually unpopular in wider discussions. It is certainly something that future MYDs should take the time to attend, regardless of the colour of your badge.
On another note, Power Shift Malaysia’s tweet on the Climate March made an appearance on storify’s website together with other NGOs and marchers! 🙂
Written by Nachatira Thuraichamy
Edited by Choy Moon Moon
