NEWS – The hosting of ATCM 46 showcases India’s commitment to international scientific cooperation, environmental responsibility, and Antarctic cooperation.

OVERVIEW

• Location: Kochi, India
• Duration: 10 days
• Host: Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research

ANTARCTIC TREATY

• Signed in Washington on December 1, 1959, by twelve countries active during the International Geophysical Year of 1957-58.
• Original Signatories: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Soviet Union, UK, and US.
• Entered into force in 1961, now with 56 Parties.
• Two types of Parties: Consultative (29) and non-Consultative (27).
• India has been a Consultative Party since 1983, demonstrating significant research activity in Antarctica.

ATCM 46 AGENDA:

• Sustainable management of Antarctica and its resources.
• Policy, legal, and institutional operations.
• Biodiversity prospecting, inspections, research collaboration, and climate change impacts.

KEY ISSUES

• Ukraine-Russia Conflict:
  • The ongoing conflict has been influencing discussions for the past two years.
  • Both Russia and Ukraine hold consultative status, allowing full decision-making roles.
  • Ensuring the conflict does not disrupt the meeting is a priority.
• Sustainable Management and Research Collaboration:
  • Focus on collaboration between parties for research.
  • Exchange of information on plans for sustainable management of Antarctic resources.
• Tourism Regulation Framework:
  • Development of guidelines for tourism in Antarctica.
  • Addressing the impact of increasing tourism on the pristine environment.
  • For the 2022-23 season, reported tourist figures:
    • 32,730 cruise-only visitors
    • 71,346 landed visitors
    • 821 deep-field visitors

CONTROVERSIES AND CONCERNS

• Russia’s Increased Surveys:
  • Surveys for oil and gas reserves in the Antarctic region.
  • Concerns among partner nations about potential territorial claims by Russia.
• Applications for Consultative Status:
  • Belarus and Canada: Seeking consultative status.
  • Opposition faced by Canada and Belarus:
    • Canada lacks a research station in Antarctica.
    • Belarus’s scientific output is deemed insufficient

INDIA’S PRESENCE IN THE ANTARCTIC

• Established first Antarctic research station in 1983.
• Operates year-round research stations: Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012).
• Conducts Indian Scientific Expeditions annually since 1981.
• Enacted Antarctic Act in 2022, reaffirming commitment to the Antarctic Treaty.