Chaos at the Bella Centre

Copenhagen, Monday 14 December

As we approach the final dates of the UN COP15, demand to enter the Bella Centre where the negotiations are taken have increased by triple amounts. This morning at 8.30am, queues to get into the centre was swarmed by delegates beyond the exit points of the train station. Delegates with no badge for entrance have been denied access, however even those with badges are finding it difficult to enter. As of tomorrow, only delegates with extra security passports will be allowed through. The number restrictions on NGOs have been applied due to high attendance of official governments and Heads of States like President Barack Obama, who will be present on the final day of the negotiations.

Luckily, I have been accredited extra security pass and will be able to report from within the centre tomorrow, however this scene is unfortunate for those who have been denied access today.

I have spoken to a party delegate from Mauritius who confirmed that negotiations for a two track agreement to safeguard the Kyoto Protocol and the Bali Plan is well underway. The final days of COP15 will be crucial in agreeing at least a politically binding international treaty. Whether or not it will be legally binding is a concern to be followed, however official party delegates seem hopeful to secure something substantial.