South Africa’s National Treasury has contributed R200-million towards the hosting of the 17th conference of the parties (COP 17) on climate change, in Durban from November 28  to December 9.

Water and Environmental Affairs Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi said that the money would be transferred to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, which would be responsible for the logistical arrangements of the conference.

She noted that the conference was a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change initiative, and beyond National Treasury’s allocation, was supported financially by numerous other funders.

Previously, an official from the Department of Environmental Affairs said that the cost of hosting the conference could be more than R320-million, but added that South Africa was planning a “lean and mean” COP, and would raise funding from external sources.

The National Treasury’s allocation would go towards the operation of COP 17, and would cover items such as domestic logistics, the hiring of the convention centre, security and visas, as well as catering.

The City of Durban told Engineering News Online organisation of the event was under way, and that a committee was set up in April to focus on space planning, transport, accommodation, information communication technology and safety and security of COP 17 delegates.

Up to 40 000 delegates, including heads of State, government officials, academics, professionals and other major stakeholders are expected to attend the conference.

The City of Durban said that the Conference Company has been appointed to handle the coordination of the event.