The Global Alliance of Waste Pickers in Durban, South Africa.

COP17 UN Climate Change Conference

Durban, South Africa, Nov. 28 - Dec. 9, 2011

Abstract

COP17 was especially important for the Global Alliance of Waste Pickers. Because the climate conference was held in Durban, South Africa, a huge number of members of the newly formed South African Waste Pickers’ Association were able to attend and make their demands heard in their own country. The 60 or so South African waste pickers were also able to hold meetings and network amongst each other, strengthening their relationships and their association. In addition to the strong presence of South African representatives, waste pickers from associations in Costa Rica, Brazil, India, and Senegal participated in the conference as well as the side events, and engaged in solidarity meetings with the South Africans.

One of the highlights of attending the conference was the Global Day of Action March on Dec.3. The South African Waste Pickers’ Association was there in full force, along with waste pickers from around the world — all marching and singing South African struggle songs together, demanding climate justice.

On Dec. 5, the Global Alliance held a protest inside of the conference headquarters, making their demands visible and generating a lot of media attention. Waste pickers were featured in dozens of media outlets, including The Mercury, Democracy Now!, IPS, Sowetan Live, and The Citizen. They also spoke to a BBC reporter on the United Nation’s Climate Change Studio.

On Dec. 5, the Global Alliance held a press conference inside the conference headquarters. They called for a Green Climate Fund with direct community access and an end to CDM “waste-to-energy” projects. Representatives from three continents highlighted the fact that waste pickers are the most effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the waste sector. They spoke against disposal technologies that undermine their livelihoods, such as incinerators and waste-to-energy projects.

These are just a few highlights of COP17 activities. For the full report, videos and slideshows, visit globalrec.org. See GAIA’s report on COP17.
(Organized and supported by GAIA, WIEGO, and groundWORK).

Related Files

Press coverage from COP17:

http://www.globalrec.org/2011/12/13/slideshow-videos-waste-pickers-featured-on-climate-change-studio-at-cop17/
“Waste pickers’ big plans” (The Citizen)
Video – “Waste pickers can play a role in climate change mitigation” (IPS Inter Press Service)
“Thousands March at U.N. Climate Summit in Durban to Demand Climate Justice” (Democracy Now!)
“Wastepickers given the cold shoulder outside ICC” (The Mercury)
“Cut out the middlemen, say waste pickers” (SOWETAN live)
Video – “While indecision reigned” (Down to Earth)
INDIA – The Indian Express: City wastepicker to attend climate change event in South Africa
INDIA – Local waste pickers in UN meet – Sakaal Times
“Thousands March at U.N. Climate Summit in Durban to Demand Climate Justice” (Democracy Now!)
“Down to Zero” (The Rainbow Inside)
“Indian recyclers lose jobs to green economy” (Climate Change Media Partnership)

Press Releases:
Wastepickers and the anti-incineration movement speak up at the CDM Executive Board meeting in Durban, South Africa
Press Release: Waste Pickers and Allies demand that the CDM Executive Board stop ducking its responsibilities (English and Spanish)
Waste pickers Tout Only Green Solution to Municipal Waste, Decry Dirty Energy (English, Spanish, Portuguese)

Publications:
Report from Durban
Carta de Marlen Chacon/Letter from Marlen Chacon

Slideshows made by globalrec:
Slideshow – The Global Alliance of Waste Pickers make their voices heard at COP17
Slideshow & Videos – Waste Pickers featured on Climate Change Studio at COP17
Slideshow: Global Alliance of Waste Pickers in Durban – COP17