Indonesia is ramping up for a giant tourism year in 2008. The Indonesian government launched Visit Indonesia Year 2008 on Wednesday and hopes are high that this campaign can get the tourist sector to the next level. Here’s more from the Jakarta Post.Visit Indonesia Year 2008 officially launched
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The government officially launched Visit Indonesia Year 2008 on Wednesday, with the main aim of luring up to 7 million foreign tourists and booking US$6.4 billion in foreign exchange income.
To help reach the target, the government is setting aside $15 million for a domestic and international advertising blitz.
“The budget will be used to finance the promotion campaign, especially abroad,” Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik told a media conference before the grand launch of the program, which will be the second for the country.
The government held its first Visit Indonesia program in 1991, which was not particularly successful, increasing the number of foreign tourists by merely 400,000 from the year earlier, according to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS).
BPS data show that in 1991, around 2.5 million foreign tourists visited the country, from 2.1 million in the previous year.
This year, foreign tourist arrivals are expected to hit 5.5 million, well short of the 6 million targeted.
Jero said the ministry had so far bought advertising time on several international television channels.
However, the larger portion of the money will be used to finance international forums, where it can effectively introduce and promote the program.
Thamrin B.Bachri, the ministry’s director general, added that such forums would be held mainly in countries which traditionally provided the most tourists for Indonesia, such as Australia, Singapore, Malaysia Korea and China.
“These international promotion programs will take the biggest portion of the budget allocation.”
Wednesday’s grand launch was highlighted by performances from Indonesian singers such as Ruth Sahanaya, Rossa and pop band Ungu.
Last week, the ministry had to revise its tourism slogan when it was pointed out it was grammatically incorrect. “Celebrating 100 years of nation’s awakening” was changed to “100 years of national awakening”.
Garuda Indonesia was forced to repaint 10 planes servicing international routes that had already been daubed with the slogan.
Next year the ministry is set to organize more than 100 international events and cultural festivals across the country. (ndr)
In the past there have been complaints about the lack of a coordinated marketing effort for the Indonesian tourism industry. The fact that people flock to Bali, Sulawesi and other places being due more to the efforts of private companies than ant national industry marketing. This new campaign got off to a stuttering start with grammar errors in the logo’s tag line. However that sorts itself out the fact remains that Indonesia offers unique cultures, tremendous bio-diversity, fabulous opportunities for adventure and all the creature comforts a short term tourism could hope for. Getting that across to more people will be the challenge, but its one that is possible.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Christmas 07 & New Year's 08 season in Bali
The Christmas / New Years season in Bali attracts tourists and a the recent break in bad weather brought them out. Driving anywhere in Kuta / Seminyak one will notice the license plates (DK = Bali, L = Surabaya, B = Jakarta and so forth). Lately there is ample opportunity to stop and spot out of town license plates due to the traffic jams.
On many Kuta streets the road is wide enough for 1 car and 1 lane of motorbikes, Jl. Legian being a good example. Out of towners often don’t realize this and try to go 2 abreast, getting stuck at the first wide parked car. The scenes this creates can be frustrating or hilarious depending on your point of view. The other night on Jl. Kunti in Seminyak a westerner was patiently waiting in his SUV to squeeze down the narrow street. A jam occurred and other cars and bikes piled up to prevent anyone backing up. Jumping out of his car and hollering “Use your heads, just use your heads,” he attempted to manually direct the cars backwards. When his turn to go came a local lady on a bike pulled in front of him, generating unkind words from him. She is reciprocated and for the rest of us it was like viewing some sort of unruly sitcom. The best way to handle these hold ups is to sit tight and think of something funny.
My next door neighbour went to Gili Trawangan for Christmas. Not sure what she was hoping to find, some peace and quiet with her rain? Wanting to return yesterday she as told the boats were not sailing due to high winds and waves.
On many Kuta streets the road is wide enough for 1 car and 1 lane of motorbikes, Jl. Legian being a good example. Out of towners often don’t realize this and try to go 2 abreast, getting stuck at the first wide parked car. The scenes this creates can be frustrating or hilarious depending on your point of view. The other night on Jl. Kunti in Seminyak a westerner was patiently waiting in his SUV to squeeze down the narrow street. A jam occurred and other cars and bikes piled up to prevent anyone backing up. Jumping out of his car and hollering “Use your heads, just use your heads,” he attempted to manually direct the cars backwards. When his turn to go came a local lady on a bike pulled in front of him, generating unkind words from him. She is reciprocated and for the rest of us it was like viewing some sort of unruly sitcom. The best way to handle these hold ups is to sit tight and think of something funny.
My next door neighbour went to Gili Trawangan for Christmas. Not sure what she was hoping to find, some peace and quiet with her rain? Wanting to return yesterday she as told the boats were not sailing due to high winds and waves.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Qatar Airways shows confidence in Bali
Qatar Airways formally inaugurated its two new offices in Denpasar, Bali. The two offices are located in the Wisthi Sabha Building at the Ngurah Rai International Airport and off the lobby of the Kartika Plaza Hotel in Kuta.
The offices were officially opened by Marwan Koleilat, Senior Manager Commercial Operations Far East, Qatar Airways. Koleilat told the press, that the new Bali route opened in March 2007, had far exceeded the Airline’s expectations and “is among the fasted growing new routes within the airline’s network worldwide.”
“The opening of the Bali office is another milestone in the airline’s business in Indonesia after it previously accelerated its plans to upgrade the aircraft on the Bali route from the Airbus A300 to the larger capacity Airbus A330-220 and Airbus A330-300 aircrafts to cope with the overwhelming number of passengers on the route.”
According to the Jakarta Post, the Airline plans to increase its four flights a week to daily service sometime in 2008, in order to meet unprecedented demand from both Middle Eastern and European travelers. Koleilat also told the Jakarta Post that Qatar Airways was also actively exploring the possibility of non-stop connections between Denpasar and Doha, eliminating the current intermediate stop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Qatar Airways currently operate a modern fleet of 58 airplanes to 79 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Far East, the Indian Subcontinent and North America. Aircraft on order mean that the Airline’s fleet will grow to 110 aircraft by 2015.
The offices were officially opened by Marwan Koleilat, Senior Manager Commercial Operations Far East, Qatar Airways. Koleilat told the press, that the new Bali route opened in March 2007, had far exceeded the Airline’s expectations and “is among the fasted growing new routes within the airline’s network worldwide.”
“The opening of the Bali office is another milestone in the airline’s business in Indonesia after it previously accelerated its plans to upgrade the aircraft on the Bali route from the Airbus A300 to the larger capacity Airbus A330-220 and Airbus A330-300 aircrafts to cope with the overwhelming number of passengers on the route.”
According to the Jakarta Post, the Airline plans to increase its four flights a week to daily service sometime in 2008, in order to meet unprecedented demand from both Middle Eastern and European travelers. Koleilat also told the Jakarta Post that Qatar Airways was also actively exploring the possibility of non-stop connections between Denpasar and Doha, eliminating the current intermediate stop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Qatar Airways currently operate a modern fleet of 58 airplanes to 79 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Far East, the Indian Subcontinent and North America. Aircraft on order mean that the Airline’s fleet will grow to 110 aircraft by 2015.
Visit Indonesia Year 2008 hopes to draw 7m tourists
INDONESIA has announced an ambitious plan to attract seven million tourists - especially Malaysians and Singaporeans - next year despite falling short of its targets two years in a row.
The government hopes to chalk up US$6.4 billion (S$9.3 billion) in tourism revenue for 'Visit Indonesia Year 2008'. The campaign will be officially launched by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Jan 1.
The year-long tourism drive, the first since 1992, will include 100 international-scale events and cultural festivals such as the Hondodento sea offering to the gods in central Java on Valentine's Day.
Mr Thamrin Bhiwana Bachri, the Tourism Ministry's director-general for marketing, said the campaign would target visitors from Asean, especially Malaysia and Singapore, which have been its main focus for the past 15 years.
'Their proximity, the high number of flights available and the similar customs and food are the main factors that stimulate the interest of people from these countries,' he told the Jakarta Post.
Indonesia attracted almost four million visitors in the first 10 months of this year, far below its annual target of six million tourists.
Last year, 4.8 million people visited the country.
Mr Thamrin said Indonesia would be happy with just 5.4 million visitors by the end of the year, as this would still be a record compared with the 5.3 million arrivals in 2004.
Indonesia's tourism sector has been reeling over the past two years under the weight of terrorist bombings and natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
A series of air crashes has also scared away some visitors.
The European Union's ban on all Indonesian airlines flying to the continent since July also dampened tourism as European travel agents are obliged to advise Indonesia-bound tourists not to fly on these carriers due to safety concerns.
Meanwhile, the new tourism campaign has started off on a bad note.
Its English-language campaign slogan was criticised last week for being 'ungrammatical and incomprehensible'.
The slogan for Visit Indonesia Year 2008 - Celebrating 100 Years Of Nation's Awakening - had been painted on several Garuda aircraft.
It had also appeared on the ministry's website and tourism brochures.
Admitting the mistake, Mr Thamrin said the slogan would be rewritten to read Celebrating Indonesia's 100 Years Of National Awakening'.
Critics have also asked what specific event happened 100 years ago that Indonesia is celebrating now.
The 1908 event actually referred to a campaign during the founding of Indonesia's first nationalist group, Boedi Oetomo.
It is seen as a key step in the country's eventual independence from Dutch rule in 1945. But most outsiders have never heard of the event.
Still, officials remain upbeat about their plans and have asked Indonesians to chip in to realise the national goal.
'Our people must be friendly, show smiling faces, and all concerned must cater to foreign tourists in a friendly way so as to help the country promote its tourism industry next year,' Tourism Minister Jero urged.
The government hopes to chalk up US$6.4 billion (S$9.3 billion) in tourism revenue for 'Visit Indonesia Year 2008'. The campaign will be officially launched by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Jan 1.
The year-long tourism drive, the first since 1992, will include 100 international-scale events and cultural festivals such as the Hondodento sea offering to the gods in central Java on Valentine's Day.
Mr Thamrin Bhiwana Bachri, the Tourism Ministry's director-general for marketing, said the campaign would target visitors from Asean, especially Malaysia and Singapore, which have been its main focus for the past 15 years.
'Their proximity, the high number of flights available and the similar customs and food are the main factors that stimulate the interest of people from these countries,' he told the Jakarta Post.
Indonesia attracted almost four million visitors in the first 10 months of this year, far below its annual target of six million tourists.
Last year, 4.8 million people visited the country.
Mr Thamrin said Indonesia would be happy with just 5.4 million visitors by the end of the year, as this would still be a record compared with the 5.3 million arrivals in 2004.
Indonesia's tourism sector has been reeling over the past two years under the weight of terrorist bombings and natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
A series of air crashes has also scared away some visitors.
The European Union's ban on all Indonesian airlines flying to the continent since July also dampened tourism as European travel agents are obliged to advise Indonesia-bound tourists not to fly on these carriers due to safety concerns.
Meanwhile, the new tourism campaign has started off on a bad note.
Its English-language campaign slogan was criticised last week for being 'ungrammatical and incomprehensible'.
The slogan for Visit Indonesia Year 2008 - Celebrating 100 Years Of Nation's Awakening - had been painted on several Garuda aircraft.
It had also appeared on the ministry's website and tourism brochures.
Admitting the mistake, Mr Thamrin said the slogan would be rewritten to read Celebrating Indonesia's 100 Years Of National Awakening'.
Critics have also asked what specific event happened 100 years ago that Indonesia is celebrating now.
The 1908 event actually referred to a campaign during the founding of Indonesia's first nationalist group, Boedi Oetomo.
It is seen as a key step in the country's eventual independence from Dutch rule in 1945. But most outsiders have never heard of the event.
Still, officials remain upbeat about their plans and have asked Indonesians to chip in to realise the national goal.
'Our people must be friendly, show smiling faces, and all concerned must cater to foreign tourists in a friendly way so as to help the country promote its tourism industry next year,' Tourism Minister Jero urged.
A Roadmap to Anywhere
The US was brought back to the fold, but at the cost of excising from the final document--the so-called Bali Roadmap--any reference to the need for a 25 to 40 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2020 to keep the mean global temperature increase to 2.0 to 2.4 degrees Celsius in the 21st century.
Reference to quantitative figures was reduced to a footnote referring readers to some pages in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2007 Report which simply enumerate several climate stabilization scenarios. The alternative scenarios ranged from a 2.0 to 2.4 degree rise in temperature to a 4.9 to 6.1 degree increase. This prompted one civil society participant to remark that the “Bali roadmap is a roadmap to anywhere.”
A few days after the new agreement was forged, many are now having doubts whether on balance, it was positive. Would it have been better to have simply let the US walk out, allowing the rest of the world to forge a strong agreement containing deep mandatory cuts in greenhouse gas emissions on the part of the developed countries? With a new US president with a new policy on climate change at the beginning of 2009, the US would have rejoined a process that would already be moving along with strong binding targets. As it is now, having been part of the Bali consensus, Bush administration negotiators, say skeptics, will be able to continue their obstructionist tactics to further water down global action throughout the negotiations in 2008.
One wonders what would have happened had Washington remained true to its ideological propensities and decided to stomp out of the room when the delegate from Papua New Guinea, releasing the conference’s pent up collective frustration, issued his now historic challenge: “We ask for your leadership and we seek your leadership. If you are not willing to lead, please get out of the way.” As everyone now knows, after last-minute consultations with Washington, the American negotiator backed down from the US’s hard-line position on an Indian amendment seeking the conference’s understanding for the different capacities of developing countries to deal with climate change and said Washington “will go forward and join the consensus.”
Reference to quantitative figures was reduced to a footnote referring readers to some pages in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2007 Report which simply enumerate several climate stabilization scenarios. The alternative scenarios ranged from a 2.0 to 2.4 degree rise in temperature to a 4.9 to 6.1 degree increase. This prompted one civil society participant to remark that the “Bali roadmap is a roadmap to anywhere.”
A few days after the new agreement was forged, many are now having doubts whether on balance, it was positive. Would it have been better to have simply let the US walk out, allowing the rest of the world to forge a strong agreement containing deep mandatory cuts in greenhouse gas emissions on the part of the developed countries? With a new US president with a new policy on climate change at the beginning of 2009, the US would have rejoined a process that would already be moving along with strong binding targets. As it is now, having been part of the Bali consensus, Bush administration negotiators, say skeptics, will be able to continue their obstructionist tactics to further water down global action throughout the negotiations in 2008.
One wonders what would have happened had Washington remained true to its ideological propensities and decided to stomp out of the room when the delegate from Papua New Guinea, releasing the conference’s pent up collective frustration, issued his now historic challenge: “We ask for your leadership and we seek your leadership. If you are not willing to lead, please get out of the way.” As everyone now knows, after last-minute consultations with Washington, the American negotiator backed down from the US’s hard-line position on an Indian amendment seeking the conference’s understanding for the different capacities of developing countries to deal with climate change and said Washington “will go forward and join the consensus.”
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Wet in Seminyak Bali
December means wet season in Bali and right now its living up to that promise. Looking out of my window the view is more like Sydney on a grey winter’s day, than a tropical island.
Rain is lashing down, but the temperature is pleasant.If Santa is out delivering gifts on Christmas eve he better wear his poncho, wet weather is predicted to continue through the Christmas period, although storms tend to blow through giving way to sunshine.
Rain is lashing down, but the temperature is pleasant.If Santa is out delivering gifts on Christmas eve he better wear his poncho, wet weather is predicted to continue through the Christmas period, although storms tend to blow through giving way to sunshine.
Indonesia to give Bali bombers 1mth to seek clemency
Indonesian authorities are to give a one-month deadline to three men on death row for their roles in the 2002 Bali bombings to ask for presidential clemency or face execution, a report said Wednesday.
The trio - Imam Samudra, Amrozi and Ali Ghufron - played key roles in the 2002 bombings on the mainly Hindu resort island, which left 202 people dead, mostly foreign holiday makers.
The head of Bali's prosecutor's office, Made Suratmana, told the Detikcom online news portal that the 30-day deadline would begin once full copies of the Supreme Court verdict rejecting their demand for a case review was given to them.
The documents are due to be handed to them before the end of the year, he said, without giving a date. "If within one month (they) do not submit a demand for clemency, then they will be executed," Suratmana reportedly said. The office had closed for business by the time the report came out so it could not immediately be verified.
Suratmana said that the office would ensure that the three men had been told that they had the right to file a request for presidential clemency. The trio, who have shown no remorse for the attacks, have already said they would not.
The convicts are detained at the maximum security island jail of Nusakambangan off the southern coast of Central Java.
Three potential sites have been selected for their executions, which occur by firing squad at unannounced locations and times in Indonesia, including on Nusakambangan, Suratmaja also reportedly said without giving further details. Officials have already said they would not be killed in Bali.
The 2002 bombings were blamed on the militant Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) network and the three admitted during trial that they were JI members. JI is blamed for a series of bombing attacks in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries but the Bali attacks were the most deadly.
The trio - Imam Samudra, Amrozi and Ali Ghufron - played key roles in the 2002 bombings on the mainly Hindu resort island, which left 202 people dead, mostly foreign holiday makers.
The head of Bali's prosecutor's office, Made Suratmana, told the Detikcom online news portal that the 30-day deadline would begin once full copies of the Supreme Court verdict rejecting their demand for a case review was given to them.
The documents are due to be handed to them before the end of the year, he said, without giving a date. "If within one month (they) do not submit a demand for clemency, then they will be executed," Suratmana reportedly said. The office had closed for business by the time the report came out so it could not immediately be verified.
Suratmana said that the office would ensure that the three men had been told that they had the right to file a request for presidential clemency. The trio, who have shown no remorse for the attacks, have already said they would not.
The convicts are detained at the maximum security island jail of Nusakambangan off the southern coast of Central Java.
Three potential sites have been selected for their executions, which occur by firing squad at unannounced locations and times in Indonesia, including on Nusakambangan, Suratmaja also reportedly said without giving further details. Officials have already said they would not be killed in Bali.
The 2002 bombings were blamed on the militant Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) network and the three admitted during trial that they were JI members. JI is blamed for a series of bombing attacks in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries but the Bali attacks were the most deadly.
Abu Dhabi Hosts 1st Energy Summit Post Bali
The world’s 5th largest oil producer, Abu Dhabi, is taking the lead in addressing the need for developing alternatives for cleaner and safer sources of energy hosting the inaugural World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi from 21-23 January 2008. Since the dramatic UN conference on climate change in Bali, this will be the first major summit, where Government, Business and NGOs gather in Abu Dhabi next month to address energy alternatives and progress global co-operation on future energy.
Under the patronage of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Summit promises to be the largest and most comprehensive event on future energy to date and will include 78 high profile speakers. Over 180 leading international exhibitors from energy, finance, green construction, government and environment sectors will be on show. Major announcements and contributions are expected from HRH Prince Charles, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of the Maldives, President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson of Iceland and President Ismail Omer Guelleh of Djibouti. There will be 13 overseas Energy Ministers, State Secretaries from Germany and Norway also participating.
Shell, BP, Total, Occidental and International Power top management will join top financers from Credit Suisse, Standard Charter and Merrill Lynch as well as Greenpeace International and Forum for the Future as business, government and NGO’s clarify positions on energy and climate crisis issues.
Under the patronage of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Summit promises to be the largest and most comprehensive event on future energy to date and will include 78 high profile speakers. Over 180 leading international exhibitors from energy, finance, green construction, government and environment sectors will be on show. Major announcements and contributions are expected from HRH Prince Charles, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of the Maldives, President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson of Iceland and President Ismail Omer Guelleh of Djibouti. There will be 13 overseas Energy Ministers, State Secretaries from Germany and Norway also participating.
Shell, BP, Total, Occidental and International Power top management will join top financers from Credit Suisse, Standard Charter and Merrill Lynch as well as Greenpeace International and Forum for the Future as business, government and NGO’s clarify positions on energy and climate crisis issues.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Pachauri welcomes Bali accord
Chairman of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Rajendra Pachauri, has welcomed last weekend's accord at Bali in Indonesia to launch negotiations on a new pact to fight global warming.
"It's important that global community starts cutting down on emission of greenhouse gases. You cannot allow one set of countries to continue to emit all these gases and the suffering is carried out by another set of countries who are not at all responsible for this problem. We have to see that whatever was decided in Bali is actually implemented with a sense of urgency and sense of fairness," Pachauri told Asian News International . Pachauri said India should also fulfill its obligations towards ensuring a cleaner environment."India has number of choices.
After all in every sector of economy, we have some choices for improving the efficiency of energy use. We have means by which we can bring about some structural shifts. Just to give you an example, in transport sector, we should really be emphasising public transport much more than private vehicle transportation. That is good for us for local reasons. Incidentally, we will also be able to reduce or at least contain the growth of greenhouse gasses," he added. Nearly 200 nations agreed at U.N.-led talks in Bali on Saturday on a "roadmap" for two years of negotiations to adopt a new treaty to succeed Kyoto accord beyond 2012.
The breakthrough was achieved after the United States softened its stand all the last minute. The United States dropped opposition to a proposal by the main developing-nation bloc, the G77, which wanted the rich nations to do more to help the developing world fight rising greenhouse emissions.Under the deal, a successor pact to the Kyoto accord will be negotiated at a meeting in Copenhagen in late 2009.
That would give governments time to ratify the pact and help investors who want to switch to cleaner energy technologies, such as wind turbines and solar panels.Kyoto accord binds all industrial countries except the United States to cut emissions of greenhouse gases between 2008 and 2012. The new negotiations will seek to bind all countries to emission curbs from 2013.
The Bali accord marks a step toward slowing global warming that the U.N. climate panel says is caused by human activities led by burning fossil fuels that produce carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas.According to scientists, rising temperatures could cause seas to rise sharply, glaciers to melt, storms and droughts to become more intense and mass migration of climate refugees.
"It's important that global community starts cutting down on emission of greenhouse gases. You cannot allow one set of countries to continue to emit all these gases and the suffering is carried out by another set of countries who are not at all responsible for this problem. We have to see that whatever was decided in Bali is actually implemented with a sense of urgency and sense of fairness," Pachauri told Asian News International . Pachauri said India should also fulfill its obligations towards ensuring a cleaner environment."India has number of choices.
After all in every sector of economy, we have some choices for improving the efficiency of energy use. We have means by which we can bring about some structural shifts. Just to give you an example, in transport sector, we should really be emphasising public transport much more than private vehicle transportation. That is good for us for local reasons. Incidentally, we will also be able to reduce or at least contain the growth of greenhouse gasses," he added. Nearly 200 nations agreed at U.N.-led talks in Bali on Saturday on a "roadmap" for two years of negotiations to adopt a new treaty to succeed Kyoto accord beyond 2012.
The breakthrough was achieved after the United States softened its stand all the last minute. The United States dropped opposition to a proposal by the main developing-nation bloc, the G77, which wanted the rich nations to do more to help the developing world fight rising greenhouse emissions.Under the deal, a successor pact to the Kyoto accord will be negotiated at a meeting in Copenhagen in late 2009.
That would give governments time to ratify the pact and help investors who want to switch to cleaner energy technologies, such as wind turbines and solar panels.Kyoto accord binds all industrial countries except the United States to cut emissions of greenhouse gases between 2008 and 2012. The new negotiations will seek to bind all countries to emission curbs from 2013.
The Bali accord marks a step toward slowing global warming that the U.N. climate panel says is caused by human activities led by burning fossil fuels that produce carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas.According to scientists, rising temperatures could cause seas to rise sharply, glaciers to melt, storms and droughts to become more intense and mass migration of climate refugees.
Bali summit deal reached; tears and recriminations begin
This weekend saw the conclusion of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bali, Indonesia, a day later than planned. The summit, designed to put in place a global plan to tackle climate change once the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012 was highly fractious, and intransigence by a number of nations resulted in the threat of a failure to come to an agreement. At the last minute, however, a certain measure of consensus was achieved, and an action plan was approved by the member nations.
As we've reported before, the summit's aim was to take over from the Kyoto Protocol once it expires in 2012, in light of the reams of data contained within the Fourth Assesment Report (4AR), the recent four-part study concluded by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The 4AR has painted a much bleaker picture of the world's climate than before, with all signs pointing to an accelerated degree of disruption to the world's climate than previously agreed upon. Some of these changes are now underway, but there is still a window for action, albeit short, to prevent some of the worst effects.
Running over its schedule by a day, the Bali conference agreed on a roadmap on Saturday that puts in place a two-year process to attempt to agree on widespread reductions on anthropogenic climate emissions. Two days earlier, the European Union was highly critical of the US' continued intransigence on the issue. The mood could be summed up by an impassioned plea from the Papua New Guinea's representative, telling the US, "If you're not willing to lead, get out of the way." The plea was effective, as the US agreed to support the roadmap
However, although an agreement was arrived at, one has to question its worth. The US opposition centered around the the EU and China's proposal for a reduction in emissions to 25-40 percent below 1990 levels by the developed nations, and a lack of any concrete demands on the developing world. As a result, the EU's targets have been omitted to be replaced by a commitment to "deep cuts," and the US is already seen by many to be backtracking on the plan.
As we've reported before, the summit's aim was to take over from the Kyoto Protocol once it expires in 2012, in light of the reams of data contained within the Fourth Assesment Report (4AR), the recent four-part study concluded by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The 4AR has painted a much bleaker picture of the world's climate than before, with all signs pointing to an accelerated degree of disruption to the world's climate than previously agreed upon. Some of these changes are now underway, but there is still a window for action, albeit short, to prevent some of the worst effects.
Running over its schedule by a day, the Bali conference agreed on a roadmap on Saturday that puts in place a two-year process to attempt to agree on widespread reductions on anthropogenic climate emissions. Two days earlier, the European Union was highly critical of the US' continued intransigence on the issue. The mood could be summed up by an impassioned plea from the Papua New Guinea's representative, telling the US, "If you're not willing to lead, get out of the way." The plea was effective, as the US agreed to support the roadmap
However, although an agreement was arrived at, one has to question its worth. The US opposition centered around the the EU and China's proposal for a reduction in emissions to 25-40 percent below 1990 levels by the developed nations, and a lack of any concrete demands on the developing world. As a result, the EU's targets have been omitted to be replaced by a commitment to "deep cuts," and the US is already seen by many to be backtracking on the plan.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
The things money can buy
Global warming poses a significant threat to our future. That much is now widely accepted. Less certain is what we need to do to arrest the process. When the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) drew up the Kyoto Protocol, the decision was taken to ignore deforestation, although it accounts for over a quarter of man-made carbon emissions. That was a mistake.
As concluded at the High-Level Meeting on Climate and Forests in Sydney in July, we can no longer afford to overlook the role forests play. This is why proposals for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation - REDD, in the jargon - will be high on the agenda at the meeting of the UNFCCC in Bali.
Several influential reports have suggested that paying countries not to cut down forests could become a highly cost-effective way of reducing emissions. Needless to say, this has created high expectations among carbon traders, forest conservationists and forest-rich developing countries. At Bali, the world’s environment ministers will have to decide whether REDD needs a separate protocol, what the deal should include, and where the money should come from.
A key problem in most remote forest regions is weak governance. Certain areas in Indonesia have been beset by lasting ethnic conflicts, sometimes created by government resettlement programs, and parts of Amazonia have some of the highest homicide rates in the world. Institutional reforms in these “wild west” areas tend to take time, and they may meet powerful resistance from local tycoons who benefit from forest clearance. Furthermore, poor migrants could easily lose out if REDD projects prevent them from clearing forest land. This could make for bad international headlines.
Another problem relates to land tenure. In tropical forests, secure land tenure is the exception, rather than the rule. In rural Indonesia, most forest land is owned by the state, although communities often have de facto customary rights. However, such rights often overlap between communities, or control of access are disputed - a blatant drawback to schemes involving payments to conserve forests.
As concluded at the High-Level Meeting on Climate and Forests in Sydney in July, we can no longer afford to overlook the role forests play. This is why proposals for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation - REDD, in the jargon - will be high on the agenda at the meeting of the UNFCCC in Bali.
Several influential reports have suggested that paying countries not to cut down forests could become a highly cost-effective way of reducing emissions. Needless to say, this has created high expectations among carbon traders, forest conservationists and forest-rich developing countries. At Bali, the world’s environment ministers will have to decide whether REDD needs a separate protocol, what the deal should include, and where the money should come from.
A key problem in most remote forest regions is weak governance. Certain areas in Indonesia have been beset by lasting ethnic conflicts, sometimes created by government resettlement programs, and parts of Amazonia have some of the highest homicide rates in the world. Institutional reforms in these “wild west” areas tend to take time, and they may meet powerful resistance from local tycoons who benefit from forest clearance. Furthermore, poor migrants could easily lose out if REDD projects prevent them from clearing forest land. This could make for bad international headlines.
Another problem relates to land tenure. In tropical forests, secure land tenure is the exception, rather than the rule. In rural Indonesia, most forest land is owned by the state, although communities often have de facto customary rights. However, such rights often overlap between communities, or control of access are disputed - a blatant drawback to schemes involving payments to conserve forests.
Compromise Reached at Bali Climate Talks
Two weeks of international climate talks marked by bitter disagreements and angry accusations culminated Saturday in a last-minute U.S. compromise and an agreement to adopt a blueprint for fighting global warming by 2009. Now comes the hard part.
Delegates from nearly 190 nations must fix goals for industrialized nations to cut their greenhouse gas emissions while helping developing countries cut their own emissions and adapt to rising temperatures.
Negotiators also will consider ways to encourage developing countries to protect their rapidly dwindling forests -- which absorb carbon dioxide.
Those gathering on the resort island of Bali were charged with launching negotiations to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. What they decide in the next two years will help determine how much the world warms in the decades to come.
In a series of pivotal reports this year, a U.N. network of climate and other scientists warned of severe consequences -- from rising seas, droughts, severe weather, species extinction and other effects -- without sharp cutbacks in emissions of the industrial, transportation and agricultural gases blamed for global warming.
To avoid the worst, the Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said, emissions should be reduced by 25 percent to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020. Greenhouse and other heat-trapping gases should be reduced at least by half by 2050, they added.
Despite an aggressive EU-led campaign to include specific emissions reduction targets for industrial nations -- using the figures and time table above -- the final roadmap has none.
Delegates from nearly 190 nations must fix goals for industrialized nations to cut their greenhouse gas emissions while helping developing countries cut their own emissions and adapt to rising temperatures.
Negotiators also will consider ways to encourage developing countries to protect their rapidly dwindling forests -- which absorb carbon dioxide.
Those gathering on the resort island of Bali were charged with launching negotiations to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. What they decide in the next two years will help determine how much the world warms in the decades to come.
In a series of pivotal reports this year, a U.N. network of climate and other scientists warned of severe consequences -- from rising seas, droughts, severe weather, species extinction and other effects -- without sharp cutbacks in emissions of the industrial, transportation and agricultural gases blamed for global warming.
To avoid the worst, the Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said, emissions should be reduced by 25 percent to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020. Greenhouse and other heat-trapping gases should be reduced at least by half by 2050, they added.
Despite an aggressive EU-led campaign to include specific emissions reduction targets for industrial nations -- using the figures and time table above -- the final roadmap has none.
After praise for Bali climate deal
A "historic" Bali deal. A "Berlin Wall" dividing rich and poor nations on global warming policy falls. A "new chapter" for Washington after six years of climate disputes with many of its allies.
After all the praise for the agreement hammered out at the 190-nation Bali meeting to work out a long-term climate treaty involving all nations by late 2009, governments will have to work out the details.
"We will have two tremendously demanding years, starting right in January," said Humberto Rosa, head of the European Union delegation, after a dramatic U.S. U-turn on Saturday paved the way for a deal to start negotiations on a global pact.
The world has a lot to do to slow soaring emissions and time is running short, even though the U.N. Climate Panel says warming can be beaten at a cost below 0.1 percent of world gross domestic product annually until 2030.
Negotiators left Bali speaking of a historic breakthrough and promising urgent action to fight climate change that could bring more floods, droughts, storms, heatwaves and rising seas.
But in the marathon talks on the Indonesian resort island they spent more than 7 hours one night, for instance, arguing over whether the final text should urge poor countries to take "action" or make a "contribution" to combating climate change. The phrase "cut emissions" was not used.
Working out a fair share of the burden between the United States, China, Russia and India, the top four greenhouse gas emitters, and the rest of the world will be one of the most complex diplomatic puzzles in history.
After all the praise for the agreement hammered out at the 190-nation Bali meeting to work out a long-term climate treaty involving all nations by late 2009, governments will have to work out the details.
"We will have two tremendously demanding years, starting right in January," said Humberto Rosa, head of the European Union delegation, after a dramatic U.S. U-turn on Saturday paved the way for a deal to start negotiations on a global pact.
The world has a lot to do to slow soaring emissions and time is running short, even though the U.N. Climate Panel says warming can be beaten at a cost below 0.1 percent of world gross domestic product annually until 2030.
Negotiators left Bali speaking of a historic breakthrough and promising urgent action to fight climate change that could bring more floods, droughts, storms, heatwaves and rising seas.
But in the marathon talks on the Indonesian resort island they spent more than 7 hours one night, for instance, arguing over whether the final text should urge poor countries to take "action" or make a "contribution" to combating climate change. The phrase "cut emissions" was not used.
Working out a fair share of the burden between the United States, China, Russia and India, the top four greenhouse gas emitters, and the rest of the world will be one of the most complex diplomatic puzzles in history.
US Needs to Do Proper Role to Ease Global Warming
The United Nations Climate Change Conference ended on Saturday with delegates having reached a broad consensus on the need to map out a new device by 2009 to replace the current Kyodo Protocol that expires in 2012. It is meaningful that the participants managed to build a momentum for the post-Kyodo regime though they have largely failed to set out standards for curtailing of emissions of carbon dioxide to relieve the aggravating global warming phenomenon due to different positions among them.
Delegates from developed countries proposed a 25 to 40 percent reduction of the greenhouse gas by the year 2020 from the level seen in 1990. But the United States has been opposing the idea of presenting a numerical target, calling for reductions on a voluntary basis. The U.S. has been criticized since it failed to sign the Kyodo Protocol that was adopted at the U.N. 10 years ago and took effect in 2005. The U.S. has been rebuffing all convincing evidence that shows greenhouse gases have been causing global warming. The reality is that the U.S. has been eager to protect its domestic industries by not signing the climate change accord.
The U.S. is the largest emitter of harmful gases and without its participation any international agreement will be useless. But Paula Dobriansky, the U.S. delegate in Bali, refused to accept language calling on industrialized nations to deliver ``measurable, reportable and verifiable'' assistance. Her remarks triggered rebukes from representatives of developing countries. She also underlined that Canada and Russia, as well as the U.S. have also been opposing the possible setting up of target emission volumes.
This seemingly selfish attitude is feared to negatively affect other nations such as China and India, in particular. China, the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has been avoiding its obligations while stressing the need for the U.S. and other developed nations to perform their ``historical responsibility.'' Former U.S. vice president and Nobel laureate Al Gore even proposed a new climate change regime ignoring the U.S., claiming Washington has been blocking progress toward an agreement on launching negotiations to replace the Kyodo Protocol.
We believe numerical goals are essential reference points in efforts to reduce the effect of global warming, as most European countries agree. But any agreement is not meaningful unless the U.S. is involved. In addition to its status as the largest emitter of carbon dioxide, the U.S. is currently the most influential nation in international community. We urge Washington to pay heed to the warning of U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon about the catastrophic outcome unless proper measures are taken in the very near future over climate change.
Delegates from developed countries proposed a 25 to 40 percent reduction of the greenhouse gas by the year 2020 from the level seen in 1990. But the United States has been opposing the idea of presenting a numerical target, calling for reductions on a voluntary basis. The U.S. has been criticized since it failed to sign the Kyodo Protocol that was adopted at the U.N. 10 years ago and took effect in 2005. The U.S. has been rebuffing all convincing evidence that shows greenhouse gases have been causing global warming. The reality is that the U.S. has been eager to protect its domestic industries by not signing the climate change accord.
The U.S. is the largest emitter of harmful gases and without its participation any international agreement will be useless. But Paula Dobriansky, the U.S. delegate in Bali, refused to accept language calling on industrialized nations to deliver ``measurable, reportable and verifiable'' assistance. Her remarks triggered rebukes from representatives of developing countries. She also underlined that Canada and Russia, as well as the U.S. have also been opposing the possible setting up of target emission volumes.
This seemingly selfish attitude is feared to negatively affect other nations such as China and India, in particular. China, the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has been avoiding its obligations while stressing the need for the U.S. and other developed nations to perform their ``historical responsibility.'' Former U.S. vice president and Nobel laureate Al Gore even proposed a new climate change regime ignoring the U.S., claiming Washington has been blocking progress toward an agreement on launching negotiations to replace the Kyodo Protocol.
We believe numerical goals are essential reference points in efforts to reduce the effect of global warming, as most European countries agree. But any agreement is not meaningful unless the U.S. is involved. In addition to its status as the largest emitter of carbon dioxide, the U.S. is currently the most influential nation in international community. We urge Washington to pay heed to the warning of U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon about the catastrophic outcome unless proper measures are taken in the very near future over climate change.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Banjar Hot Water
Banjar Hot Water is a nature hot wellspring assumed can heal the disease. Its water is accommodated at one small swimming pool encircled by unique rural nature, its situation near by a Wihara (Buda Temple). Banjar Hot Water is located in Banjar Countryside, Banjar sub district and Singaraja Regency. Its traveled distance 1,5 Km from Banjar or 24 Km from Singaraja Town. To reach the Hot Water location in Banjar can be used the motor vehicle with the good road condition. The nearest accommodation or lodging is hotels and restaurants which are a lot available in Lovina area. There is a lot of public transportation available here because the roadway connective through the Singaraja town.This hot wellspring source estimated available since of hundreds of year and since the Japanese occupying in Indonesia has developed three pools to relocate the water for taking a bath, cause bathe in the heat water consist of brimstone will be able to heal skin disease. The Japanese also develop its military officer resort. This public bath which is built by Japanese now is exploited by public society. Beside to use for bathing, the tourist can swim in hot pool and also enjoy the water fall its body which feel like squeezing, especially at pool equipped by the douche with the high about 3,5 meters, so that can result the body condition become fresher .
Hot water in Banjar then progressively recognized to be a place of interest in north of Bali or a tourist destination in Singaraja Bali which is visited by many tourist from local and Foreign countries. To manage this mini tourism object is hence formed an institution that is Nirmala Hot Spring Institution on 12 June 1984 .
Ten Travel Trends
Forbes is a company that serves the luxury travel market and won’t appeal to many long distance budget travelers. Still it is interesting to note the 10 new travel trends Forbes note and see how they are relevant to Bali.
Here’s how that list might relate to Bali.
1. Environmental awareness. Environmental / cultural awareness is something you can add to a Bali holiday. There are 2 places at Gunung Batukaru (The Eco Lodge and Batukaru Mountain Retreat) that are wonderfully situated in highland jungle and who’s owners are knowledgable about the flora and fauna. JED is a non-profit that offers culturally sensitive village tours to 4 areas in Bali.
2. Hotel Owned Villas. This is something Bali has taken to heart. Simply browse the websites of any Major hotel / resort and you’ll see options for private villas, which come with plunge pools, bale structures, zen rock styling, personal chef / pembantu etc.
3. Private Jet Travel. You could use your own jet to get to Bali from other SE Asian / Australian airports. Once in Bali its is possible to rent helicopters and fixed wing planes from Air Bali.
4. Human travel agents. Bali has a wealth of local travel agents who can provide services such as day tours, vehicle hire, car with driver, booking domestic and international airline tickets. These places are informal, easy to use and fairly efficient.
5. Adults only vacations. Bali does attack the tourism market from all angles. With budget, mid-range, boutique hotels and large high end resorts and villas, it is not that hard to create a ‘kids-free’ environment for yourself.
6. Multi-Generational Travel. Hotels in Bali often have ‘Family rooms’ for rent, with a couple of bedrooms lounge area and kitchen. This is great for families with kids or family groups wanting a closer experience than just eating in the hotel restaurant.
7. Yacht Charters. Bali may not be a big yacht center (due to lack of a decent harbor, reef and waves) but you can rent boats for the day or longer. Visiting yachts do stop off in Padangbai and Bali would make a great place to come ashore for anyone touring with a yacht.
8. Traveling with An Entourage. For those with an entourage, Bali has the large scale hotel resorts that can handle your group. Nusa Dua in particular is set up for large scale events and large family / wedding/ social groups.
9. A New Definition Of Camping. Camping is not something that is popular in Bali, either with local or tourists. This is not likely to change and even the staff in a Kuta camping store will tell you they don’t like camping. Oh well, you can’t be good at everything. If you have to camp, the higher elevations on Gunung Batukaru will work.
10. Vacation On The Decline. For many people the time constraints of work and budget limitations mean vacations / holidays get axed. Bali can work for both of those problem areas. People on a time crunch who are looking to maximize their short holiday can fly into Bali and stay at a great hotel in Tuban, right on the beach just 1 mile from the airport. It doesn’t get much easier than that and you can be in your hotel pool with cold drink within an hour of landing. Flying to Bali may cost you a bit more than driving to the Gold Coast, but once here you do have budget options that can swing the pendulum in your favour. Kuta, Seminyak, Candi Dasa, Padangbai, Lovina, Amed all have budget accommodation from 50,000-100,000rp per night (cheaper if you book for a week / month). Meals are cheap to and if you are willing to drive yourself a motorbike will cost 450,000-500,000rp per month.
Here’s how that list might relate to Bali.
1. Environmental awareness. Environmental / cultural awareness is something you can add to a Bali holiday. There are 2 places at Gunung Batukaru (The Eco Lodge and Batukaru Mountain Retreat) that are wonderfully situated in highland jungle and who’s owners are knowledgable about the flora and fauna. JED is a non-profit that offers culturally sensitive village tours to 4 areas in Bali.
2. Hotel Owned Villas. This is something Bali has taken to heart. Simply browse the websites of any Major hotel / resort and you’ll see options for private villas, which come with plunge pools, bale structures, zen rock styling, personal chef / pembantu etc.
3. Private Jet Travel. You could use your own jet to get to Bali from other SE Asian / Australian airports. Once in Bali its is possible to rent helicopters and fixed wing planes from Air Bali.
4. Human travel agents. Bali has a wealth of local travel agents who can provide services such as day tours, vehicle hire, car with driver, booking domestic and international airline tickets. These places are informal, easy to use and fairly efficient.
5. Adults only vacations. Bali does attack the tourism market from all angles. With budget, mid-range, boutique hotels and large high end resorts and villas, it is not that hard to create a ‘kids-free’ environment for yourself.
6. Multi-Generational Travel. Hotels in Bali often have ‘Family rooms’ for rent, with a couple of bedrooms lounge area and kitchen. This is great for families with kids or family groups wanting a closer experience than just eating in the hotel restaurant.
7. Yacht Charters. Bali may not be a big yacht center (due to lack of a decent harbor, reef and waves) but you can rent boats for the day or longer. Visiting yachts do stop off in Padangbai and Bali would make a great place to come ashore for anyone touring with a yacht.
8. Traveling with An Entourage. For those with an entourage, Bali has the large scale hotel resorts that can handle your group. Nusa Dua in particular is set up for large scale events and large family / wedding/ social groups.
9. A New Definition Of Camping. Camping is not something that is popular in Bali, either with local or tourists. This is not likely to change and even the staff in a Kuta camping store will tell you they don’t like camping. Oh well, you can’t be good at everything. If you have to camp, the higher elevations on Gunung Batukaru will work.
10. Vacation On The Decline. For many people the time constraints of work and budget limitations mean vacations / holidays get axed. Bali can work for both of those problem areas. People on a time crunch who are looking to maximize their short holiday can fly into Bali and stay at a great hotel in Tuban, right on the beach just 1 mile from the airport. It doesn’t get much easier than that and you can be in your hotel pool with cold drink within an hour of landing. Flying to Bali may cost you a bit more than driving to the Gold Coast, but once here you do have budget options that can swing the pendulum in your favour. Kuta, Seminyak, Candi Dasa, Padangbai, Lovina, Amed all have budget accommodation from 50,000-100,000rp per night (cheaper if you book for a week / month). Meals are cheap to and if you are willing to drive yourself a motorbike will cost 450,000-500,000rp per month.
Balinese VS Outsiders
The proportion of Hindus in Bali fell to 87 percent in 2000, from 93 percent in 1995, Suryani said, as Indonesians from densely populated and mainly Muslim Java flocked to Bali in search of work following the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis.
In Bali's capital Denpasar, the proportion of Hindus may be closer to 60 percent and in certain districts it is only one in six, she said. The issue of Balinese versus outsiders is likely to be a hot topic in next year's election for governor. "Balinese only have one or two kids because family planning here is very strong" due to pressures from the local banjar, or neighborhood associations, she said. "But imagine, if Balinese have only one or two kids but people from outside have four, five or six, in a few years the composition will change."
Besieged by outsiders, some Balinese are becoming more aware of the need to preserve their identity.
Instead of using Indonesia's unifying language bahasa indonesia, which is similar to Malay, some Balinese want the Balinese language, steeped in Sanskrit and Javanese with a feudal emphasis on the caste of the person being addressed, to be used more widely.
In Bali's capital Denpasar, the proportion of Hindus may be closer to 60 percent and in certain districts it is only one in six, she said. The issue of Balinese versus outsiders is likely to be a hot topic in next year's election for governor. "Balinese only have one or two kids because family planning here is very strong" due to pressures from the local banjar, or neighborhood associations, she said. "But imagine, if Balinese have only one or two kids but people from outside have four, five or six, in a few years the composition will change."
Besieged by outsiders, some Balinese are becoming more aware of the need to preserve their identity.
Instead of using Indonesia's unifying language bahasa indonesia, which is similar to Malay, some Balinese want the Balinese language, steeped in Sanskrit and Javanese with a feudal emphasis on the caste of the person being addressed, to be used more widely.
10th anniversary celebrations of the Kyoto Protocol
The row overshadowed Tuesday's 10th anniversary celebrations of the Kyoto Protocol, the current U.N. plan for combating global warming. Delegates ate a 1.8 metre (5 ft 10 inch) high cake and sang "Happy Birthday".
Negotiators are seeking a formula to draw in the developing world, particularly India and China, as well as the United States, which is outside Kyoto.
"Good progress has been made but it's not a done deal yet," the head of the U.N.'s Climate Change Secretariat, Yvo de Boer, told a separate meeting of finance ministers. "It's probably going to take a couple of sleepless nights to bring all countries, rich and poor, on board."
Australia's new centre-left Prime Minister Kevin Rudd arrived in Bali and plans to hand over documents ratifying the Kyoto Protocol to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday, when more than 100 environment ministers will attend.
Australia's ratification leaves the United States as the only rich nation outside Kyoto. President George W. Bush argues that it would cost jobs and wrongly excludes poor nations.
Finance ministers meeting on the fringes of the meeting agreed to further debate but little else after two days trying to find ways to fund the fight against global warming.
Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged the ministers to do more. "Ministers of finance can and should play a much larger and more active role in responding to climate change, both domestically and internationally," he said.
The United Nations wants all countries to aim for a 2009 deadline to decide on a successor to Kyoto, building on global momentum after reports by the U.N. panel this year squarely blaming mankind for warming, mainly by burning fossil fuels.
Carbon markets and investors, for instance in coal mines or wind farms, also need to know long-term rules as soon as possible. And it may take governments years to ratify a deal.
Separately, the talks made a draft decision to start up a fledgling $36 million fund to help poor nations cope with the worst impacts of climate change.
Negotiators are seeking a formula to draw in the developing world, particularly India and China, as well as the United States, which is outside Kyoto.
"Good progress has been made but it's not a done deal yet," the head of the U.N.'s Climate Change Secretariat, Yvo de Boer, told a separate meeting of finance ministers. "It's probably going to take a couple of sleepless nights to bring all countries, rich and poor, on board."
Australia's new centre-left Prime Minister Kevin Rudd arrived in Bali and plans to hand over documents ratifying the Kyoto Protocol to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday, when more than 100 environment ministers will attend.
Australia's ratification leaves the United States as the only rich nation outside Kyoto. President George W. Bush argues that it would cost jobs and wrongly excludes poor nations.
Finance ministers meeting on the fringes of the meeting agreed to further debate but little else after two days trying to find ways to fund the fight against global warming.
Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged the ministers to do more. "Ministers of finance can and should play a much larger and more active role in responding to climate change, both domestically and internationally," he said.
The United Nations wants all countries to aim for a 2009 deadline to decide on a successor to Kyoto, building on global momentum after reports by the U.N. panel this year squarely blaming mankind for warming, mainly by burning fossil fuels.
Carbon markets and investors, for instance in coal mines or wind farms, also need to know long-term rules as soon as possible. And it may take governments years to ratify a deal.
Separately, the talks made a draft decision to start up a fledgling $36 million fund to help poor nations cope with the worst impacts of climate change.
Emissions goal ??
Delegates at U.N. climate talks resisted U.S. pressure to delete tough 2020 guidelines for cutting greenhouse gases with the European Commission saying they were a "crucial" element in a draft text.
The U.N.-led talks have become dominated by disputes over whether a text should keep a mention of a need for rich nations to axe greenhouse gas emissions by 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 to avoid the worst impacts.
Any watering down or removal of the non-binding range would anger developing nations, which are demanding rich nations do more to cut their own greenhouse gas emissions.
Washington and Tokyo want the range cut out but it was still in the latest draft on Tuesday, delegates said.
"Of course it is crucial for the European Union, and not only for the European Union," EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said of the indicative 25 to 40 percent range.
"In order to gather an effective fight against climate change we need this range of reductions for developed countries by 2020," he told a news conference at the 190-nation meeting.
The Dec 3-14 talks are seeking to agree guidelines to launch formal negotiations on a new deal for all nations to curb greenhouse gases beyond 2012, widening the current Kyoto Protocol which only sets targets for 36 industrialised nations.
Washington says a mention of 2020 cuts would prejudge the outcome of negotiations on a new pact meant to widen action against climate changes such as droughts, rising seas or a melting of Himalayan glaciers.
The U.N.-led talks have become dominated by disputes over whether a text should keep a mention of a need for rich nations to axe greenhouse gas emissions by 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 to avoid the worst impacts.
Any watering down or removal of the non-binding range would anger developing nations, which are demanding rich nations do more to cut their own greenhouse gas emissions.
Washington and Tokyo want the range cut out but it was still in the latest draft on Tuesday, delegates said.
"Of course it is crucial for the European Union, and not only for the European Union," EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said of the indicative 25 to 40 percent range.
"In order to gather an effective fight against climate change we need this range of reductions for developed countries by 2020," he told a news conference at the 190-nation meeting.
The Dec 3-14 talks are seeking to agree guidelines to launch formal negotiations on a new deal for all nations to curb greenhouse gases beyond 2012, widening the current Kyoto Protocol which only sets targets for 36 industrialised nations.
Washington says a mention of 2020 cuts would prejudge the outcome of negotiations on a new pact meant to widen action against climate changes such as droughts, rising seas or a melting of Himalayan glaciers.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Bali weather at December 2007
Steamy conditions here in Bali with dark clouds drifting over. Up in Bedugal yesterday cooler temperatures and strong rain provided a welcome relief from the Seminyak heat. A friend’s house in Candi Kuning was complete with a log fire, providing a Christmas type scene for those gathered, including Indonesians. Visitors to Bali during the wet season will enjoy an overnight trip to the highland areas.
People coming to Bali for the Christmas period should bring light clothing and a sun hat. No need for wet weather gear as its possible to pick up an umbrella for a couple of dollars.
People coming to Bali for the Christmas period should bring light clothing and a sun hat. No need for wet weather gear as its possible to pick up an umbrella for a couple of dollars.
U.S. urges dropping 2020 goals at Bali talks
The United States has urged a tough 2020 target for rich nations to axe greenhouse gas emissions to be dropped from a draft text at climate change talks in Bali, delegates said on Monday.
Washington said goals for 2020 should be negotiated over the next two years rather than fixed in advance as part of a fight against rising temperatures that could bring more floods, droughts, melt Himalayan glaciers and raise sea levels.
"It's prejudging what the outcome should be," chief U.S. negotiator Harlan Watson said of 2020 targets. "We don't want to start out with numbers."
Watson said that the 25-40 percent range was based on "many uncertainties" and on a small number of studies examined by the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Washington said goals for 2020 should be negotiated over the next two years rather than fixed in advance as part of a fight against rising temperatures that could bring more floods, droughts, melt Himalayan glaciers and raise sea levels.
"It's prejudging what the outcome should be," chief U.S. negotiator Harlan Watson said of 2020 targets. "We don't want to start out with numbers."
Watson said that the 25-40 percent range was based on "many uncertainties" and on a small number of studies examined by the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Rich and poor countries failed on Sunday to agree on a plan to open up trade in green goods
At the end of two days of talks involving officials from 32 nations, including 12 trade ministers, a final news conference descended into farce as Brazil and the United States swapped recriminations.
The proposal involves cutting import tariffs on a list of 43 environmentally friendly goods, such as wind turbines and solar panels. If widely supported, it could lead to a global cut in greenhouse gas emissions blamed for climate change.
"What there's no agreement on is the US-EU proposal," Brazil's Minister of External Relations, Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim, told reporters.
"I think this list is incomplete. It won't do much for climate change. It's not proven what the effect it will have on climate change, maybe a little bit here and there," Amorim said.
The trade officials were meeting for the first time on the sidelines of an annual UN climate conference, opening a new front in the global warming battle.
About 20 finance ministers will also meet on Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Monday and Tuesday.
But the result from Saturday and Sunday's talks was less than the United Nations and host Indonesia might have hoped.
Brazil was angry the proposal did not include biofuels. The country is the world's top producer of ethanol and the government suspected the US-EU measure's real intention was to boost exports from rich nations.
The proposal involves cutting import tariffs on a list of 43 environmentally friendly goods, such as wind turbines and solar panels. If widely supported, it could lead to a global cut in greenhouse gas emissions blamed for climate change.
"What there's no agreement on is the US-EU proposal," Brazil's Minister of External Relations, Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim, told reporters.
"I think this list is incomplete. It won't do much for climate change. It's not proven what the effect it will have on climate change, maybe a little bit here and there," Amorim said.
The trade officials were meeting for the first time on the sidelines of an annual UN climate conference, opening a new front in the global warming battle.
About 20 finance ministers will also meet on Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Monday and Tuesday.
But the result from Saturday and Sunday's talks was less than the United Nations and host Indonesia might have hoped.
Brazil was angry the proposal did not include biofuels. The country is the world's top producer of ethanol and the government suspected the US-EU measure's real intention was to boost exports from rich nations.
Greenhouse gas emissions receded on Friday as UN talks inched forward in seeking a new world pact by 2009 to fight global warming.
"Nothing's been ruled out," said Yvo de Boer, head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat at the Dec. 3-14 talks among 190 nations in a luxury beach resort in Bali, Indonesia.
"Binding commitments for developing countries are not off the table but are crawling towards the edge," he said of the possibility that developing nations would agree to join many rich nations in capping greenhouse gas emissions.
The negotiations aim to agree a "roadmap" to work out a broader, more ambitious climate deal to succeed the Kyoto Protocol by 2009, spurred by UN reports warning of ever more heatwaves, droughts, and rising seas.
Delegates must find words equally palatable to rich countries such as the United States and Japan, which want developing nations to fight climate change harder, and the likes of China and India, which want to be paid to take such effort.
"The negotiations on the future are going very well," de Boer added of the overall talks on a new global pact.
De Boer said most rich nations seemed to agree it was too early to expect developing nations to cap emissions. China's emissions of greenhouse gases per capita, for instance, are about 4 tonnes against 20 tonnes per American.
Many developing countries say they will at most try to brake the rise of their emissions but want incentives such as clean technology and aid. About a dozen trade ministers will meet in Bali at the weekend and finance ministers on Monday.
Kyoto binds 36 industrialised nations to cut emissions of greenhouse gases, mainly from burning fossil fuels, by 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2008-12. The United States opposes Kyoto, saying it would cost jobs and unfairly omits 2012 targets for developing nations.
De Boer said a huge shift in world financing was needed, referring to a UN report in August project that net annual investments of US$200-$210 billion by 2030 were needed to curb emissions, in areas from renewable energies to nuclear power.
"Binding commitments for developing countries are not off the table but are crawling towards the edge," he said of the possibility that developing nations would agree to join many rich nations in capping greenhouse gas emissions.
The negotiations aim to agree a "roadmap" to work out a broader, more ambitious climate deal to succeed the Kyoto Protocol by 2009, spurred by UN reports warning of ever more heatwaves, droughts, and rising seas.
Delegates must find words equally palatable to rich countries such as the United States and Japan, which want developing nations to fight climate change harder, and the likes of China and India, which want to be paid to take such effort.
"The negotiations on the future are going very well," de Boer added of the overall talks on a new global pact.
De Boer said most rich nations seemed to agree it was too early to expect developing nations to cap emissions. China's emissions of greenhouse gases per capita, for instance, are about 4 tonnes against 20 tonnes per American.
Many developing countries say they will at most try to brake the rise of their emissions but want incentives such as clean technology and aid. About a dozen trade ministers will meet in Bali at the weekend and finance ministers on Monday.
Kyoto binds 36 industrialised nations to cut emissions of greenhouse gases, mainly from burning fossil fuels, by 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2008-12. The United States opposes Kyoto, saying it would cost jobs and unfairly omits 2012 targets for developing nations.
De Boer said a huge shift in world financing was needed, referring to a UN report in August project that net annual investments of US$200-$210 billion by 2030 were needed to curb emissions, in areas from renewable energies to nuclear power.
Polar bears seem to be having a population explosion at UN climate talks on the tropical island of Bali.
"I don't think it shows a lack of imagination," Yvo de Boer, head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, told Reuters of the focus on bears. "The polar bear has become a symbol of this issue."
The polar bear has come to dominate in Bali -- more than at past UN meetings, delegates say -- because the Arctic ice on which it hunts seals shrank in September to the smallest since satellite records began in the 1970s.
"Global warming is happening twice as fast in the Arctic as elsewhere," said Cindy Baxter of Greenpeace, which has also had an activist bear prowling the conference centre in a beach resort. "But maybe penguins should get a look-in too."
"Polar bears are the most visible icon of global warming," said Barry Coates of the New Zealand branch of Oxfam, which staged a protest with eight activists dressed as polar bears.
About 20-25,000 polar bears live around the Arctic. Numbers are probably up from the 1970s in some areas because of tighter controls on hunting. But warming is a looming threat.
The US Geological Survey said in September that two-thirds of the world's polar bears could be gone by mid-century if predictions of melting sea ice hold true.
The polar bear has come to dominate in Bali -- more than at past UN meetings, delegates say -- because the Arctic ice on which it hunts seals shrank in September to the smallest since satellite records began in the 1970s.
"Global warming is happening twice as fast in the Arctic as elsewhere," said Cindy Baxter of Greenpeace, which has also had an activist bear prowling the conference centre in a beach resort. "But maybe penguins should get a look-in too."
"Polar bears are the most visible icon of global warming," said Barry Coates of the New Zealand branch of Oxfam, which staged a protest with eight activists dressed as polar bears.
About 20-25,000 polar bears live around the Arctic. Numbers are probably up from the 1970s in some areas because of tighter controls on hunting. But warming is a looming threat.
The US Geological Survey said in September that two-thirds of the world's polar bears could be gone by mid-century if predictions of melting sea ice hold true.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Australia says poor nations must help stop climate change
Environmental activists display flags from different countries during a demonstration at the venue of the UN Climate Change Conference in Nusa Dua, on Bali island. Both rich and poor nations must commit to slashing greenhouse gas emissions if the world wants to solve global warming, Australia’s Trade Minister Simon Crean said at the landmark climate change summit.
Both rich and poor nations must commit to slashing greenhouse gas emissions if the world wants to solve global warming, Australia’s trade minister said Saturday at a landmark climate change summit.
Click Here for the complete News
http://news.balitropicalvilla.com/2007/12/09/news/australia-says-poor-nations-must-help-stop-climate-change/
Both rich and poor nations must commit to slashing greenhouse gas emissions if the world wants to solve global warming, Australia’s trade minister said Saturday at a landmark climate change summit.
Click Here for the complete News
http://news.balitropicalvilla.com/2007/12/09/news/australia-says-poor-nations-must-help-stop-climate-change/
Currency exchange in Bali: December 2007
If you are coming to Bali for Christmas or New Years you are probably wondering how are far your money will go.
Here’s a quick look at how the Indonesian Rupiah is doing against major currencies.
1 US Dollar = 9,281.10 Indonesian Rupiah
1 Australian Dollar = 8,095.44 Indonesian Rupiah
1 Brazilian Real = 5,187.12 Indonesian Rupiah
1 British Pound = 18,816.3 Indonesian Rupiah
1 Chinese Yuan Renminbi = 1,254.10 Indonesian Rupiah
1 Euro = 13,552.4 Indonesian Rupiah
1 Hong Kong Dollar = 1,190.67 Indonesian Rupiah
1 Japanese Yen = 83.63633 Indonesian Rupiah
1 Kazakhstan Tenge = 77.88696 Indonesian Rupiah
1 Malaysian Ringgit = 2,772.31 Indonesian Rupiah
1 New Zealand Dollar = 7,163.71 Indonesian Rupiah
1 Russian Rouble = 378.356 Indonesian Rupiah
1 Saudi Riyal = 2,483.10 Indonesian Rupiah
1 Singapore Dollar = 6,414.56 Indonesian Rupiah
1 South African Rand = 1,371.60 Indonesian Rupiah
1 South-Korean Won = 10.07042 Indonesian Rupiah
1 Swedish Krona = 1,446.85 Indonesian Rupiah
1 Swiss Franc = 8,219.69 Indonesian Rupiah
1 Taiwan Dollar = 287.210 Indonesian Rupiah
1 Thai Baht = 308.304 Indonesian Rupiah
Greenhouse proposal introduced at Bali forum
A draft proposal is being circulated at the UN climate conference on the Indonesian island of Bali. It is a proposal which may not be agreed to by China or the United States, because China believes that the West, and primarily the U.S, should take the lead in eliminating greenhouse gas emissions, rather than the developing economies.The new proposal states that greenhouse gas emissions must decrease by between 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and that all industrialised countries should cooperate.This represents a substantial increase over the percentage agreed by the Kyoto Accord, which expires in five years.But the United States did not sign the Kyoto Accord and China has said that it does not feel bound by pollution agreements.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Strong quake strikes near Bali climate conference
Saturday, December 8, 2007, NUSA DUA, Indonesia -- A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia's Bali on Friday, officials said, where it rocked a conference centre hosting more than 10,000 delegates for a key UN climate change summit. The earthquake, which hit at 18:45 p.m. (1035 GMT) Jakarta time, struck 261 kilometers (162 miles) southwest of the Bali resort of Nusa Dua, where nations are meeting to craft a strategy to combat climate change, Indonesia's Meteorology and Geophysics Agency said in a statement. The quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers and there was no threat of a tsunami, the agency said.
Foreign owned Bali villas being closed down, tourists left in the lurch
Tourists to Bali be warned; if you book and pay for a villa, you may be out on the street when you arrive in Bali. Incidentally, If you own or know someone who owns a villa in Bali, we urge you / they read our article on Bali Villa Rentals as we offer a solution to this anti-western crackdown by the Balinese and Indonesian authorities. Do not let the hate state of Indonesia rob you of your life’s savings!Foreigners who bought into the false dream, still perpetuated by the greedy and powerful of Indonesia such as the current president, of owning a holiday home in Bali when they legally can not, are becoming increasingly aware their dream likely is about to be taken away from them. While tourists staying at foreign owned villas in Bali have already started to be afflicted in the great 2007 illegal villa crackdown !
Click Here for the complete News
http://www.balibs.org/news-update/bali-villa-tourism.shtml
Click Here for the complete News
http://www.balibs.org/news-update/bali-villa-tourism.shtml
UN confirms Bali’s police commit torture and other human rights crimes.
Mr. Nowak said in summary of his visit “The problem of police abuse appears to be sufficiently widespread as to warrant immediate attention” and regarding police immunity “In all the meetings with government officials nobody could cite one case in which a police officer was ever found guilty and sentenced by a criminal court for ill-treatment or other abuse of a detainee.” Mr. Nowak visited Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, South (not North) Sulawesi and a carefully stage managed short visit to West Papua.click here for the complete news
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