Durban - Durban is now ready to welcome over 15 000 delegates, more than 10 000 observer, from over 190 countries for the COP17, says Ethekwini Municipality mayor James Nxumalo.
"As these delegates, observers and NGOs arrive, we must ensure that we are prepared to host them in the warmest way possible - warm people, warm food, warm beaches, warmth all around.
"But being the warmest place to be also signals to us that our earth is getting warmer and we must do something about that," said Nxumalo as he briefed the media on the city's readiness to host the event.
The city will ensure that when delegates leave the climate change talks, they will be well versed with the Durban's Greening Projects.
Nxumalo said hosting the COP17 means a massive boost for the economy.
"We will be benefitting enormously, through the huge international exposure and the many economic benefits. One example is our accommodation. I am sure that this will be fully-booked for the event period, with over one hundred and sixty thousand bed-nights of accommodation being sold," said Nxumalo on Saturday.
As the host city of COP17/CMP7, there is a golden opportunity to communicate the municipality's achievements to local, national and international communities.
"Durban's bold response to the challenges of climate change has positioned the city as a global leader in the field of climate protection planning.
"It is a truly African city, a place of rich contrasts where sophisticated, first-world urban development and high density townships give way to undisturbed rural landscapes where people follow traditional African lifestyles," he said.
The mayor - a champion of SALGA's Climate Change strategy - will work with mayors from around the world to share experiences and strategies to improve the mitigation and adaptation strategies.
The city has also developed an excellent working relationship with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
"Working closely with DIRCO the eThekwini Municipality's Strategic Projects Unit (SPU) has been responsible for many aspects of the co-ordination and logistics support, together with a range of city line-function departments," Nxumalo said.
Over 550 volunteers will be deployed throughout the city. All volunteers will wear an official, easily identifiable green and white COP17 Volunteer uniform and will be stationed throughout the city, at shuttle pick-up points and bicycle nodes.
