In 2006, The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has earmarked approximately $11 million for upgrading the South African public transport system ahead of the 2010 World Cup. They believe that the World Cup presents a great opportunity to lay out a 21st century sustainable transport network in South African cities.
They aim to develop pilot projects, together with local governments, that will look at sustainable transport alternatives that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In smaller cities, plans are being developed to demonstrate how well-designed cycleways and pedestrian routes feeding into bus networks can offer rapid and efficient alternatives to private cars.
It is envisaged that no cars will be permitted within a two kilometer radius of the stadiums, and that using alternative means to get to the matches will be promoted as an advantage ? as simply the most efficient way of getting to venues. South Africa has a wonderful opportunity and sufficient time to use the excitement generated by the upcoming World Cup as an impetus for heightening the consciousness of South Africans about eco-friendly alternatives to transport, including the use of alternative fuels. Developing greener transport systems will have multiple benefits for South Africa long after the World Cup.
Achim Steiner, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, said, 밬se the four years that you now have to trigger the imagination of the nation.? He was speaking at Africa's first hosting of the Global Environment Facility in Cape Town. The GEF is a partnership that looks at ways to protect the global environment and promote sustainable development.
The GEF wants to help South Africa develop a good transport system that is environmentally sustainable. They do not simply want to replicate the transport systems used in Germany, but want South Africa to come up with plans and ideas unique to our situation. The GEF said that Mexico and Panama had both worked with GEF to develop systems that 밽ive fantastic results? which not only reduce carbon emissions but also benefit public health, security and land management. A simple decision about where to put a bus route can affect millions of people's lives, Steiner explained. He urged the South African authorities to use the 2010 World Cup as a catalyst for a better, leaner transport system.
My parent's friends are going to move to South Africa in April.
They promise us to send the pictures of 'Green-transportation'. I will post them on Eco-gen site. Meanwhile, anybody interested in South Africa's green effort for the upcoming World cup Soccer game, please check out 'Inside the Africa' on CNN.
by Yeokyoug Alberta Yoo
Great!
ReplyDeleteIsn't any car currently allowed within a two kilometer radius of the stadiumn?
ReplyDelete