Kochi, India on Tuesday strongly advocated for regulated tourism in the Antarctic, saying it is a big issue as the number of tourists visiting the continent has increased significantly in the last few years.
"This icy expanse is not just a frozen desert; it is a dynamic, living laboratory that reflects our supreme commitment towards conservation and study," Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju said at the inauguration of the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) here. It reflects." It reflects "demands."
Considered as the parliament for Antarctica, the ATCM is the highest forum governing the icy continent with the participation of 56 countries, 29 of which have consultative status, which comes with decision-making powers.ATC takes all decisions by consensus. ATCM has established a separate working group on developing a framework for regulating tourism in Antarctica which is ongoing here. Initially, the ATCM elected former Deputy National Security Advisor Panka Saran as chairperson for the 10-day deliberations ending on May 30. During this period, a meeting of the Environment Protection Committee is also being organized on the 26th.
Rijiju also announced India's plan to build a new research station Maithri-II to strengthen capabilities to conduct critical research, especially regarding the instability of the East Antarctic ice sheet.Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, expressed concern over the increase in the number of tourists to Antarctica, saying that it was the collective resolve of ATCM to ensure that all activities, including research and tourism, are conducted in a manner that promotes conservation. , Ecological integrity for future generations. Ravichandran, head of the Indian delegation, said, “India is honored to lead this important initiative at the 46th ATCM, which I look forward to bringing to the table a series of actionable recommendations to include comprehensive " Antarctic Treaty System"
He said that regulating tourism in Antarctica has been on the agenda since 1966 and a dedicated working group has been constituted for the first time in the 46th ATCM hosted by India for this purpose.
"This icy expanse is not just a frozen desert; it is a dynamic, living laboratory that reflects our supreme commitment towards conservation and study," Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju said at the inauguration of the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) here. It reflects." It reflects "demands."
Considered as the parliament for Antarctica, the ATCM is the highest forum governing the icy continent with the participation of 56 countries, 29 of which have consultative status, which comes with decision-making powers.ATC takes all decisions by consensus. ATCM has established a separate working group on developing a framework for regulating tourism in Antarctica which is ongoing here. Initially, the ATCM elected former Deputy National Security Advisor Panka Saran as chairperson for the 10-day deliberations ending on May 30. During this period, a meeting of the Environment Protection Committee is also being organized on the 26th.
Rijiju also announced India's plan to build a new research station Maithri-II to strengthen capabilities to conduct critical research, especially regarding the instability of the East Antarctic ice sheet.Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, expressed concern over the increase in the number of tourists to Antarctica, saying that it was the collective resolve of ATCM to ensure that all activities, including research and tourism, are conducted in a manner that promotes conservation. , Ecological integrity for future generations. Ravichandran, head of the Indian delegation, said, “India is honored to lead this important initiative at the 46th ATCM, which I look forward to bringing to the table a series of actionable recommendations to include comprehensive " Antarctic Treaty System"
He said that regulating tourism in Antarctica has been on the agenda since 1966 and a dedicated working group has been constituted for the first time in the 46th ATCM hosted by India for this purpose.
