She added the final conference document would promote progress by virtue of its scope and value.
Lehtomäki expressed satisfaction that commitments made at the earlier conference in Copenhagen were being incorporated into efforts towards a global treaty on climate warming. However, she noted many issues had been left for future conferences.
Researcher, Antto Vihma from The Finnish Institute of International Affairs also praised the establishment of a green climate fund. He also thanked developing nations for demonstrating a greater sense of transparency on the issue.
For some, though, a lack of agreement on the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol was a disappointment.
Katri Suomi from Finn Church Aid noted the fate of Kyoto was a threshold issue for developing countries as they expected actions from industrialized nations to curb emissions. Cancun unfortunately left the issue of a second Kyoto Protocol open.
Some 139 nations approved a modest plan on Saturday to combat climate change, including a new fund to help poor nations, despite objections by Bolivia. The deal reached at the U.N. Cancun global climate talks includes a "Green Climate Fund," and reaffirms a goal of raising 100 billion dollars in aid by 2020.
Minister Outlines Finnish Aims
During the conference, Finland's Minister of the Environment Paula Lehtomäki says its primary objective was to adopt measures aimed at cutting global temperatures.
She said it was essential to maintain the objective of reducing global temperatures by two degrees. Lehtomäki stressed the Kyoto Protocol was not the only method to reduce emissions as this covered only thirty percent of the world greenhouse emissions.
Lehtomäki reminded Finland along with other EU nations had constantly stressed a second period for the Kyoto Protocol was possible, if it formed part of a larger climate agreement.
Finland aims to reduce emissions by eighty percent by the year 2050.
