1 June 2012: The Secretariat of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) and Brazil, the host of the Conference, announced the publication of the Rio+20 Handbook, an operative manual containing logistics information for Rio+20 participants, designed to smooth participation in the Conference.

The Handbook covers what participants should know before traveling to Brazil, including on accreditation and visa, health advisory, diplomatic liaison officer, arrival of delegations and air routes.

It also provides information on security, noting that Brazil’s security forces will be responsible for the safety of foreign authorities and that foreign dignitaries will be given full-time protection. A special security system will be set up at airports and lodging facilities, which will receive round-the-clock protection. All local transportation of dignitaries will be escorted by agents of the Brazilian Federal Police. As of 7 June 2012, access to Riocentro will be strictly limited to those properly accredited by the UN.

The Handbook also describes the list of social events for dignitaries, which include a welcome reception on 13 June, and a reception hosted by the President of the Republic to Heads of State and Government and their spouses, as well as to Heads of Delegation and spouses on 20 June. Finally, it highlights that the Rio+20 National Organizing Committee is coordinating a schedule of activities to guarantee the participation of civil society in areas outside of Riocentro. [Publication: Rio+20 Operative Manual]