Kiribati climate change talks end with 'Ambo Declaration'

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Kiribati's President Anote Tong says the declaration reaffirms the stance of vulnerable countries ahead of the climate change talks in Cancun. [Reuters]

Evan Wasuka, Tarawa

Last Updated: Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:15:00 +1100

After an intensive day of deliberations the Tarawa Climate Change Conference in Kiribati has ended on a high with the signing of the Ambo Declaration.

Delegates from both the vulnerable nations and some major economies, including China, have agreed on 18 points, and all signatories have registered their alarm at the impact of climate change.

Kiribati's President Anote Tong said he was disappointed that the United States and the United Kingdom opted out of the declaration by taking up observer status.

He says the Ambo Declaration reaffirms the stance of Pacific Island nations and those of vulnerable countries ahead of the climate change talks in Cancun.

"Most of the issues, some of which were common ground, some of which were...very sensitive issues indeed, and the issues which up to now...the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) has not been able to resolve," he said.

"Our expectation is these declarations will contribute hopefully to some positive steps forward namely at Cancun in Mexico."

One of the bigger issues raised during the meeting has been the need for adaptation funds, and Mr Tong says the Ambo Declaration highlights the urgency of this situation.

"I think what the Ambo Declaration has said is that it is urgent, it's got to be accessible, we don't talk about it, we must do it," he said.

"And I think that's basically been the desire of countries on the frontline which are facing the problem, and it's the desire to see that actually taking place, even before Mexico. But very certainly, shortly after Mexico."

With the Tarawa Climate Change Conference over, Kiribati has been praised for hosting a successful conference.

Fiji's Environment Minister Colonel Samuela Saumatua says the location of the meeting was ideal for dialogue, and has described the atmosphere as unlike anything he had experienced at previous climate change talks.

"One thing I've noted is that the spirit of discussion was very helpful, very Pacific," he said.

"It's a far cry from Copenhagen, and here people suggested things, instead of saying you can't have that, they said it may be better to look at it this way. So that's the spirit of things."