South Africa: Fund to help civil society participating in Cop 17

Government will establish a Participation Fund to substantially contribute to the costs incurred by civil society and NGOs in their preparations for COP 17. NGOs and representatives of civil society have been vocal about declining donor support for technical and financial contributions in their efforts to deal with climate change.

Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said the fund will help South African youth, women, rural communities, media and NGOs with preparations for the remaining pre-COP negotiations meetings taking place over the next two months.