Image: Michael Bratt

Protestors march against Sasols inclusion on the COP17 committee.

The minister said she was "begging on her knees" for a positive result.

"The realisation that time is ticking reminds me of that saying, 'it is high noon'," she said.

Speaking at a conference hosted by the World Wildlife Fund and Nedbank in Sandton on Tuesday, she said unfinished business from previous COPS had piled up and must be dealt with in Durban.

COP17 faces the dual challenge of renewing the Kyoto Protocol and operationalising agreements made in previous summits.

"We must ensure that the Kyoto Protocol has no graveside in SA," she said. "Let us not be known as the place where the Kyoto Protocol will be buried."

She also urged developed nations to finance the Green Climate Fund, which would pay for green projects in developing nations.

Delegates agreed for a framework for the fund at the COP in Cancun last year but have yet to finance it.

"I am really begging (developed countries). I am on my knees. The fund still looks hollow. We need to see the colour of money at some stage," she said. "We are mindful that the world (maybe heading for) recession, but it won't be forever."

Success at the Durban negotiations will be "make or break" for the planet, she said.

"The world cannot perish while we are looking. Our children cannot remain without a future whilst we are looking. The small islands cannot perish whilst we are looking. However, we must face the negotiations with optimism, and I am very enthusiastic. Let us walk the talk together."