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.
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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.
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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.
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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