The Mexican government is committed to ensure that participant’s mobilization and energy consumption during COP16/CMP6 result in the smallest environmental impact, in compliance of its obligations as host of the Sixteenth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 16) and the Sixth Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties of the Kyoto Protocol (CMP6).
One of the main goals of the Mexican authorities is to ensure that a large amount of the energy used during the Conference comes from renewable sources, hence minimizing as much as possible the release of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere.
In the framework of the Mexican-Italian environmental cooperation program, the Mexican government is engaged in supplying energy through a system of photovoltaic cells with an estimated output of 250 kW. The installation of a wind power generator with a 0.8MW capacity will contribute to Cancun’s electric output through an additional renewable source. Regarding transportation, delegations of participating countries will be provided with hybrid vehicles for their transfers during the Conference.
The Mexican government has implemented a special hotel assessment program in Cancun aimed at enhancing their sustainable operation. Through the program dubbed Environmental Leadership for Competitiveness hotels will be able to reduce their use of raw materials and energy during the Conference. It is estimated that savings will amount to approximately 200,000 m³ of water and the release of 2,000 tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere.
The GHG emissions of the Mexican delegation’s travelling prior to and during the Conference will be offset through a conservation mechanism called compensation for environmental services. Under such scheme GHG emissions derived from energy use during official meetings of the Conference, including side and cultural events, will also be neutralized.
Additionally, and in full compliance of its obligations under the Convention, the Mexican government is encouraging those attending COP16/CMP6 to neutralize their own GHG emissions through soil conservancy projects, reforestation and, sustainable forest and management in different parts of the world, particularly in Mexico.
Carbon footprint
Participants attending COP16/CMP6 will be able to access online and through the booths located at the Conference venue a carbon footprint calculator to measure emissions associated to their air and ground transportation, lodging and meals. This calculation will allow users to mitigate their respective emissions by opting for one of the projects listed in the voluntary Mexican market or those associated to the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Indigenous communities’ projects in the Mixe and Chinanteca regions of the Sierra Madre in Oaxaca, through the voluntary forest Mexican market are an example of the options available for carrying out this exercise.
Activities in Cancun
Around 10,000 trees and bushes will be planted in Cancun. This will contribute both to carbon capture and sequestration, as well as to further beautify the Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard, which is the city’s main artery.
A residual waste management program will operate during the conference aimed at enhancing processing of different waste materials and their incorporation to productive cycles avoiding their final disposal. The program includes the placing of recycle bins in official meeting areas of COP16/CMP6 events, as well as in other locations within the city of Cancun.
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