New Delhi, India will host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM), the highest forum governing the icy continent, in Kochi later this month.
According to an official statement, the 26th meeting of the ATCM and the Committee on Environment Protection (CEP) will be held in the Kerala city from May 20-30.
The twin meetings will be hosted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences through the National Center for Polar and Ocean Research.
"Hosting the 46th ATCM and 26th CEP meeting reflects India's growing role as a responsible global stakeholder in efforts to preserve Antarctica for future generations," said M Ravichandra, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Ravichandran said, “Through open dialogue, cooperation and consensus building, India is committed to upholding the principles of the Antarctic Treaty and contributing to the sustainable management of one of the last pristine wilderness areas on Earth.,
Key items on the agenda of the 46th ATCM include a strategic plan for the sustainable management of Antarctica and its resources; policy, legal and institutional operations; Biodiversity Prospecting; monitoring and exchanging information and data; Research, collaboration, capacity building a collaboration; addressing the impacts of climate change; development of tourism infrastructure; and promoting awareness.
The agenda of the 26th CEP focuses on Antarctic environmental assessment, IMPAC assessment, management and reporting; climate change response; Area protection and management plans, including marine endemic conservation; and conservation of Antarctic biodiversity.
More than 350 delegates from more than 60 countries are expected to attend the ATC and CEP meetings, which are critical to the international community's efforts to protect Antarctica's fragile ecosystems and promote scientific research in the region.
Held annually under the Antarctic Treaty System, these meetings provide a forum for Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties and other stakeholders to address critical environmental, scientific and governance issues in the IC continent.
New Delhi last hosted the ATCM and CEP meeting in 2007, when it approved the construction of "Bharti", India's third research station in Antarctica.The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 and entered into force in 1961, established Antarctica as a territory dedicated to peaceful purposes, scientific cooperation, and environmental protection.
The treaty has gained widespread support over the years and is currently joined by 56 countries.
India has been a consultative party to the Antarctic Treaty since 1983. I participate in the decision-making process along with the other 28 advisory parties to the Treaty.
According to an official statement, the 26th meeting of the ATCM and the Committee on Environment Protection (CEP) will be held in the Kerala city from May 20-30.
The twin meetings will be hosted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences through the National Center for Polar and Ocean Research.
"Hosting the 46th ATCM and 26th CEP meeting reflects India's growing role as a responsible global stakeholder in efforts to preserve Antarctica for future generations," said M Ravichandra, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Ravichandran said, “Through open dialogue, cooperation and consensus building, India is committed to upholding the principles of the Antarctic Treaty and contributing to the sustainable management of one of the last pristine wilderness areas on Earth.,
Key items on the agenda of the 46th ATCM include a strategic plan for the sustainable management of Antarctica and its resources; policy, legal and institutional operations; Biodiversity Prospecting; monitoring and exchanging information and data; Research, collaboration, capacity building a collaboration; addressing the impacts of climate change; development of tourism infrastructure; and promoting awareness.
The agenda of the 26th CEP focuses on Antarctic environmental assessment, IMPAC assessment, management and reporting; climate change response; Area protection and management plans, including marine endemic conservation; and conservation of Antarctic biodiversity.
More than 350 delegates from more than 60 countries are expected to attend the ATC and CEP meetings, which are critical to the international community's efforts to protect Antarctica's fragile ecosystems and promote scientific research in the region.
Held annually under the Antarctic Treaty System, these meetings provide a forum for Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties and other stakeholders to address critical environmental, scientific and governance issues in the IC continent.
New Delhi last hosted the ATCM and CEP meeting in 2007, when it approved the construction of "Bharti", India's third research station in Antarctica.The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 and entered into force in 1961, established Antarctica as a territory dedicated to peaceful purposes, scientific cooperation, and environmental protection.
The treaty has gained widespread support over the years and is currently joined by 56 countries.
India has been a consultative party to the Antarctic Treaty since 1983. I participate in the decision-making process along with the other 28 advisory parties to the Treaty.
