TT Postcard from Bali

Thirteen Things about Bali's UNFCC Conference

Like any postcard it arrives after you have returned home.

1….Concerns over safety were quickly dispelled, with security checkpoints aplenty. Bag checks were a daily ritual, with registration required on the first day. We were lucky enough to complete the registration process early, before the queues below took place. Not fun in the heat and extreme humidity.

UNFCCC Entrance, originally uploaded by penrithsustainabilityunit.

1. Entrance Security, 2. Entrance to Register

2…. An invitation to the Governor of Bali's residence provided a taste of Bali's rich culture.

Indonesia's Govenors Dinner Entertainment, originally uploaded by penrithsustainabilityunit.

1. Entrance Dance, 2. Govenors backstairs, 3. Staff and Performers, 4. Delegates on stage

3…. Amazing displays were scattered between the conference centres.

Entrance to UNFCCC, originally uploaded by penrithsustainabilityunit.

1. Global Thermometer, 2. Posters

4…. The Local Government sessions were held concurrently with the the UNFCC Conference in the Old Convention Centre.

WMCCC, originally uploaded by penrithsustainabilityunit.

5…. The Cool Energy Exhibition was held on the Peninsula Island a short but hot walk from the Old Convention Centre. A two hour lunch break enabled us to take in exhibits from a range of organisations including Unilever who were promoting a program similar to our Sustainability Street program, United Nations Environment Program, and various Indonesian government departments amongst many others.

Cool Energy Exhibition, originally uploaded by penrithsustainabilityunit.

6…. For every thumbprint a tree was to be planted.

Holcim Tree Thumbprint, originally uploaded by penrithsustainabilityunit.

7…. There was much talk about sustainable transport in many of the sessions that I attended, and although I didn't give it a go, this taxi certainly caught peoples attention. I am not sure how practical it really is given it only had room for one passenger and the trailer which consisted of the solar panels was quite sizeable.

Solar Taxi UNFCCC, originally uploaded by penrithsustainabilityunit.

1. Solar v Normal Taxi, 2. Solar Taxi Trailer

8…. The main stage for the conference, we arrived early so that we could hear Senator Penny Wong give her address.

Staff in UNFCCC Hall, originally uploaded by penrithsustainabilityunit.

9…. 'Polly' spotting, we managed to give Minister Peter Garrett, and Senator Penny Wong each a Sustainable Penrith hat.

Politician Spotting, originally uploaded by penrithsustainabilityunit.

1. Peter Garret, 2. Penny Wong with SP hat

10…. To help delegates get around bikes were available free of charge.

Free Bike UNFCCC transport, originally uploaded by penrithsustainabilityunit.

1. UNFCCC Free Bikes, 2. UNFCCC Free Bike

11…. Not quite the street stalls synonymous with Bali, this store was more high end, however, it is interesting as it was started by the former Minister of Culture and Tourism, and celebrates the works of Indonesian artists and craftpersons, both those who are already famous and those living hidden away in remote rural areas who are producing extraordinary works.

Alun Alun, originally uploaded by penrithsustainabilityunit.

12…. The energy efficient lightbulb was commonplace, shown here in a family's shrine.

Energy Efficient Shrine, originally uploaded by penrithsustainabilityunit.

13…. We appreciated the friendship provided us by the 'friendly' police, guides and drivers that made sure we got to and from the conference on time and in one piece, whilst teaching us a lot about Bali.

Staff & local Support Crew SP Hat, originally uploaded by penrithsustainabilityunit.

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