Recently, India concluded hosting of the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26) 2024 in Kochi, Kerala
Key Outcomes of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
- Approval of New Management Plans : The Parties approved 17 updated and new management plans for Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) and made several changes and additions to the list of Historic and Monument Sites.
- Tourism Regulation Framework: A major outcome was the decision to create an ambitious, comprehensive, flexible, and dynamic framework for regulating tourism and non-governmental activities in Antarctica.
- The Parties also considered consultative status requests from Canada and Belarus but did not reach a consensus.
- Environmental Assessments : India will provide detailed environmental assessments for the construction of the new research station, Maitri-II.
- Promoting Renewable Energy: The ATCM promoted increased use of renewable energy and emphasized strong biosecurity measures to mitigate the risks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
- CEP Priorities:Addressing the impacts of sea ice changes
- Enhancing environmental impact assessments for significant activities
- Conserving the emperor penguin
- Creating an international framework for environmental monitoring in Antarctica
- Awareness Measures: A special MyStamp featuring the ATCM-46 logo was launched, alongside the unveiling of a mural titled ‘Species-rich Antarctica,’ aimed at raising awareness about the continent.
|
About Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM)
- Annual Meetings: These annual meetings provide a platform for Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties and other stakeholders to discuss pressing environmental, scientific, and governance matters concerning Antarctica.
- Frequency of ATCM Meetings: Between 1961 and 1994, the ATCM typically convened once every two years, but since 1994, the meetings have taken place annually.
Enroll now for UPSC Online Course
Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26)
- Founding: The CEP was created under the Madrid Protocol, also known as the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, in 1991.
- Role of CEP: The CEP advises the ATCM on protecting and conserving Antarctica’s environment.
Antarctica Treaty
- Signing of the Treaty: The Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington on December 1, 1959, by twelve countries whose scientists had been involved in Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-58.
- The original 12 signatories included Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the Soviet Union, the UK, and the US.
- Categories: There are two categories of parties to the Antarctic Treaty: Consultative, numbering 29, and non-Consultative, numbering 27.
- Non-Consultative parties are invited to attend Consultative Meetings but do not partake in decision-making.
- Secretariat: The Antarctic Treaty Secretariat (ATS), founded in 2004, acts as the administrative centre for the Antarctic Treaty System.
- It coordinates the ATCM and CEP gatherings and oversees compliance with treaty provisions and agreements.
- Additionally, it offers support and advice to Antarctic Treaty Parties on matters concerning treaty implementation and enforcement.
Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store
India in Antarctica
- India’s Role in Antarctic Governance: India has held consultative party status to the Antarctic Treaty since 1983. Among the 56 nations under the treaty, 29 have consultative party status.
- In this role, India actively participates in and votes on all major decision-making processes concerning Antarctica. India has been engaged in scientific research in Antarctica since 1981.
- Establishment of Indian Antarctic Research Stations: In 1983, India established its first Antarctic research station, Dakshin Gangotri
- In 1989, India established its second Antarctica research station, Maitri in the Schirmacher Oasis
- In 2012, India unveiled Bharati, its third Antarctica research station, positioned east of Maitri, on the Prydz Bay coast.
- Antarctic Act: India demonstrated its commitment to the Antarctic Treaty by passing the Antarctic Act.
- Future Plans:India intends to establish a new station, Maitri II, just a few kilometres away from the ageing Maitri station. Operations are scheduled to commence by 2029.
June 3, 2024
