India successfully concluded hosting the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26).
About
The ATCM-46 and CEP-26 were hosted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, with support from the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat headquartered in Argentina.
The ATCM-46 was held with the overarching theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a Sanskrit phrase that means one Earth, one family, one future.
The event witnessed the reaffirmation of the Antarctic Treaty (1959) and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol, 1991) by the Parties.
More about the News
The ATCM and CEP are crucial global forums for Antarctic affairs convened annually that set collective and concerted dialogue and action towards preserving one of Earth’s most pristine and fragile ecosystems.
An additional working group discussed the development of a tourism framework for the southern white continent this year.
Following the advice of the CEP, the Parties adopted 17 revised and new management plans for ASPAs (Antarctic Specially Protected Areas).
The ATCM also encouraged efforts to increase renewable energy use and to ensure robust implementation of biosecurity measures to minimize the risks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
Significance of Research in Antarctica
Climate Change and Global Warming: Antarctica plays a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate. The Research helps scientists understand the dynamics of ice melting, sea level rise, and the impact of climate change on the polar regions and beyond.
Ozone Layer Depletion: Research in Antarctica monitors the recovery of the ozone layer and helps assess the effectiveness of international agreements, such as the Montreal Protocol, in addressing ozone-depleting substances.
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Space Analog: Antarctica’s extreme conditions, including low temperatures and isolation, make it an ideal analog for studying the challenges humans might face in future space exploration, such as missions to Mars.
Scientific Discovery: Antarctica provides opportunities for the discovery of the remains of ancient organisms, meteorites, and insights into Earth’s geological history.
India and Antarctica
Antarctic Treaty: The Treaty covers the area south of 60°S latitude. It was signed in Washington D.C. in 1959 with the objective of the Demilitarisation of Antarctica.
The signatories are supposed to bring laws so that no activity in contravention of the treaty takes place. India signed the treaty in 1983.
The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR): CCAMLR was signed in Canberra in 1980 to protect and preserve the Antarctic environment and, particularly, for the preservation and conservation of marine living resources in Antarctica.
India ratified the CCAMLR in 1985.
Madrid Protocol: The Protocol on the Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol) was signed in Madrid in 1991. It aims to strengthen the Antarctic Treaty system and develop a comprehensive regime for the protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems.
India ratified the Madrid Protocol in 1998.
Council of Managers of the National Antarctic Programme (COMNAP)
India is also a member of the COMNAP and the Scientific Committee of Antarctica Research (SCAR), which shows the significant position that India holds among the nations involved in Antarctic research.
About Antarctica
Antarctica is the world’s southernmost and fifth-largest continent. It is also the world’s highest, driest, windiest, coldest, and iciest continent.
The continent is divided into East Antarctica (Greater Antarctica) and West Antarctica (Lesser Antarctica). They are separated by the Transantarctic Mountains.
East Antarctica is composed of older, igneous, and metamorphic rocks whereas West Antarctica is made up of younger, volcanic, and sedimentary rock.
West Antarctica, is part of the “Ring of Fire,” a tectonically active area around the Pacific Ocean.
Mount Erebus, located on Antarctica’s Ross Island, is the southernmost active volcano on Earth.
