English - Programa de Naciones Unidas para el Medio Ambiente

UNEP/LAC-IG.XVII/6Page 1162. The representative of Belize stated that it was acutely feeling the effects ofclimate change. Over the last two years, Belize has experienced storms that havedevastated several communities, while coral reef bleaching has also been observed,among other impacts. Belize declared that so far, it has not received significantsupport from developed countries, but nevertheless remains committed toprotecting its territory against the effects of climate change. Lastly, Belizeexpressed its commitment to Mexico.63. The representative of the Dominican Republic, although concerned over thelevel of spending brought about by COPs, expressed optimism in regard to theinternational panorama after Copenhagen. The Dominican Republic also highlightedthat the increase in forest cover was one of the best measures to fight climatechange. The Dominican Republic proposed an increase in South-South cooperationand confirmed its desire to continue cooperating with the Republic of Haiti inresponse to recent events and with the rest of the region on the road to Cancun.64. The representative of Antigua and Barbuda indicated the need for a processof truly open and transparent consultation as countries progress towards Cancun.The delegate underlined that adaptation is a high priority for his country andencouraged the ministers of the region not to allow fund availability for adaptationto be subject to joining the Copenhagen Accord.65. The representative of Mexico conveyed its gratitude for the expressions ofsolidarity and support, and underscored that, considering the outcome of COP-15, itwill be important to strive for ambitious but realistic expectations. While consideringthe contributions of other regions of the world, in particular developing countries,the instructions of the Mexican President are for a firm commitment to work withthe countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.66. With regards to the Copenhagen Accord, Mexico considers that in order for anagreement to be valid, it needs to be adopted by one hundred percent of theParties. Therefore, Mexico deems the Copenhagen Accord to have more thecharacter of a charter or useful political instrument, than of an agreement.67. In responding to a specific question regarding the cost of a COP therepresentative of Mexico estimated the cost of COP-15 to be within the range of450 million US dollars. Mexico emphasized the need to include the specificrequirements of Caribbean countries with regards to adaptation to climate change.68. The representative of Mexico reiterated its ambition to provide optimalhospitality and logistical arrangements for conference participants, its commitmentto the transparency of the preparation process and to keeping the region’scountries informed on all developments, in order to make sure that COP-16 will bea success, especially for the most vulnerable developing countries.69. While UNEP’s Deputy Executive Director (DED) understood thedisappointment with the outcomes of Copenhagen, she also emphasized the needto move forward since the issues at stake are too fundamental to be put on hold.The DED concurred that UNEP should indeed be careful to characterize anydocument as an agreement, unless it fully complies with the legal prerequisites ofone.