New Delhi: Expressing concern over increasing human activities in Antarctica, the countries governing the polar region have decided to develop an ambitious, comprehensive and flexible framework to regulate tourism and non-governmental activities in the icy continent.
The 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Mechanism (ATCM), comprising 56 nations, also adopted 17 revised and new management plans for Antarctic Special Protected Areas (ASPAs).
The 46th ATCM and the 26th Committee on Environment Protection (CEP), which began in Kochi on May 20, concluded on Thursday.
"An important outcome was the adoption of the decision to develop an ambitious comprehensive, flexible and dynamic framework to regulate tourism and non-governmental activities in Antarctica," an official statement said.
The parties also discussed consultative status requests from Canada and Belarus but no agreement was reached.Union Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary M Ravichandran said at the meeting that India will soon submit a comprehensive environmental assessment for setting up the Maitri-II research station in Antarctica.
“India's successful hosting of the 46th ATCM and 26th CEP underlines your collective resolve to protect Antarctica's unique ecosystem and promote global environmental sustainability. Through dialogue, cooperation and concrete action, we can ensure That Antarctica remains a symbol of peace, science and the environment." Security for future generations,” Ravichandran said.
The parties also discussed a number of important Antarctic matters, including liability, biological prospecting, information exchange, education and awareness, a multi-year strategic action plan, security, observations, science, future science challenges, scientific cooperation, climate change. Implications include tourism management.among others.
The Committee agreed to prioritize further work on the management implications of sea-ice change, enhancing environmental impact assessments of major activities, protecting emperor penguins, and developing an international framework for environmental monitoring in Antarctica.
The ATCM and CEP meetings were attended by over 400 delegates from 5 countries, bringing together diplomats, scientists and experts to discuss a variety of Antarctic matters, including science, policy, governance, logistics operations and environmental management.
The 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Mechanism (ATCM), comprising 56 nations, also adopted 17 revised and new management plans for Antarctic Special Protected Areas (ASPAs).
The 46th ATCM and the 26th Committee on Environment Protection (CEP), which began in Kochi on May 20, concluded on Thursday.
"An important outcome was the adoption of the decision to develop an ambitious comprehensive, flexible and dynamic framework to regulate tourism and non-governmental activities in Antarctica," an official statement said.
The parties also discussed consultative status requests from Canada and Belarus but no agreement was reached.Union Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary M Ravichandran said at the meeting that India will soon submit a comprehensive environmental assessment for setting up the Maitri-II research station in Antarctica.
“India's successful hosting of the 46th ATCM and 26th CEP underlines your collective resolve to protect Antarctica's unique ecosystem and promote global environmental sustainability. Through dialogue, cooperation and concrete action, we can ensure That Antarctica remains a symbol of peace, science and the environment." Security for future generations,” Ravichandran said.
The parties also discussed a number of important Antarctic matters, including liability, biological prospecting, information exchange, education and awareness, a multi-year strategic action plan, security, observations, science, future science challenges, scientific cooperation, climate change. Implications include tourism management.among others.
The Committee agreed to prioritize further work on the management implications of sea-ice change, enhancing environmental impact assessments of major activities, protecting emperor penguins, and developing an international framework for environmental monitoring in Antarctica.
The ATCM and CEP meetings were attended by over 400 delegates from 5 countries, bringing together diplomats, scientists and experts to discuss a variety of Antarctic matters, including science, policy, governance, logistics operations and environmental management.
