1. (i) What was the purpose and (ii) who were the intended beneficiaries of the large, colour advertisements regarding the upcoming 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that were published in the weekend and daily newspapers, (b) which department carried the costs of these advertisements and (c) what was the total cost of the advertising campaign of the convention?

REPLY:

(a) The purpose of the media advertising campaign was to create awareness around the fact that South Africa was hosting the COP17/CMP7 Conference taking place from 28 November to 9 December 2011; to create an awareness around climate change, what it is, and its possible impact on sustainable development and people’s livelihoods, and to encourage involvement by all sectors of society in the build-up processes, events, campaigns and programmes around the conference.  The core mandate of the Department as COP17/CMP7 President was to ensure that the logistics around the conference were in place.  In addition the COP17 President had the responsibility of facilitating the conference to deliver a credible, fair and balanced outcome.  This required a high level of awareness internationally, hence the publicity campaign. 

(b) The overall advertising budget for the COP17 came from National Treasury as allocated to the COP17/CMP7 budget.  But in addition, some partners and sponsors came on board.

(c) The budget that covered advertising, radio, television, print, outdoor and airport branding was R4 987 456.24