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Just a year ago, the world’s leaders gathered in Durban for the 17th round of the UN Climate talks. Indeed as host, South Africa and particularly Durbanites welcomed the world with open arms.

“Today, the visit of the Rainbow Warrior to South Africa and to Durban more precisely, is an indication of the need to relook at where we are a year after the much publicised COP 17 climate meeting. Climate change is happening, and it is happening now, and our leaders can no longer afford to ignore theimpacts that many Africans are facing today such as drastic changes in weather patterns, increased droughts and flooding” said Greenpeace Africa’s Executive Director Michael O’ Brien Onyeka.

The new Rainbow Warrior is one of the most environmentally friendly ships ever built. She replaces the Rainbow Warrior II which retired on 16 August 2011 after 22 tireless years at the campaigning frontline and the original Rainbow Warrior which was bombed in 1985 – it helped end nuclear testing in the Pacific, blocked coal ports and closed down destructive fishing operations.

Greenpeace International Executive Director, South Africa born Kumi Naidoo said “it is indeed an honour to for me to welcome the Rainbow Warrior in my home town. The global organisation is proud of Greenpeace Africa’s successes to hold governments and corporates to account. More importantly, I am happy to see how we are working to expose crimes against Africa’s resources and propose solutions for the many citizens that are suffering from environmental injustices. Having the Rainbow Warrior here today is a reminder to our leaders on the continent, that the time to act is now, we cannot, and we should notdestroy our legacy to our children”.

The ship departs South Africa on Thursday and heads to Mozambique where it starts to monitor and confronts instances of overfishing along the Southern African coast right across the Indian ocean.

“As we host the iconic Rainbow warrior in Durban, we would like to thank the more than 10.000 people in South Africa who support Greenpeace Africa. Without your support we would not have achieved what we have been able to do in the past four years. More importantly, our supporters, our activists and our volunteers are the core of our success – without them we would not be where we are – we need this kind of dedication, support and motivation from everyone for us to create a better world” concluded Greenpeace Africa Executive Director, Michael O’ Brien.


For more information on Greenpeace Africa visit: www.greenpeaceafrica.org <http://www.greenpeaceafrica.org/>
To find out more on the Rainbow warrior go: http://www.greenpeaceafrica.org/rainbow