A European diplomat mentioned that their country was quoted €1 million to secure accommodations for a negotiating team of 20 people.
In April, Brazil’s presentation indicated cruise ship cabins would be priced from $700 to $1,300 per night. However, the COP30 presidency assured last week in Bonn that cabins would start at $250, and rooms in rental houses at $100 per night.
“We’re uncertain about the distance of these accommodations from the venue and how many are available at this price,” the diplomat expressed. A booking platform set for launch in March has been repeatedly delayed, they noted.
Prohibitive costs could hinder attendance for low-income countries, civil society, and the media at this year’s COP.
“Accommodation is a significant concern for us,” stated Tanzanian diplomat Richard Muyungi, chair of the African Group of Negotiators. “I’ve received no adequate response to our concerns” from Brazil, he added.
Beyond costs, the image of negotiating on cruise ships isn’t positive. “This use of cruise ships just reinforces the perception we’re not saving the climate, but harming it,” the European diplomat worried.













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