XXX Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting Begins in New Delhi

In the present scenario of globalization where national barriers are fast disappearing, where time zones have shrunk, we must embark upon a new global enterprise, chartering new areas of international collaboration in the true spirit of the Antarctic Treaty. This was stated by Shri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences while inaugurating the XXX Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) which began in New Delhi today. Spelling out India’s deep commitment in playing an active role in the domain of Antarctic science with the underpinning motto to preserve the pristine environment of the last frontier on earth, he urged the Antarctic Treaty Parties to cooperate in the scientific pursuit for the benefit of mankind.

Shri Kapil Sibal in his inaugural address drew the attention of delegates to the role played by Antarctic Treaty in providing good governance and environmental stewardship in managing the continent of Antarctica, common heritage of mankind. The Antarctica Treaty which is devoted to science and peaceful use, is also the pre-cursor to the Space Treaty. The Minister stated that the International Polar Year 2007-08 has also brought countries together for the launch of a comprehensive science mission. Such a mission is not geared for economic gain, but it is, in fact, a long term campaign through which scientists hope to unravel the enigmas of nature and space best understood from a vantage point, like the Antarctica.

He also impressed upon the need to give a fresh look at the growth of tourism in Antarctica, in the context of exploitation of the resources of this vast continent, as well as the imperative of protecting the Antarctica environment. He urged the delegates to develop a framework of regulation to contain tourism activity. The other issue, which needs to be addressed, he said, is the importance of the polar region in the context of global climate change and its impact on our environment and the human beings, going by the recent data and issues thrown up by the Inter-Governmental Panel on climate change.

Dr. U.R. Rao, an eminent Space Scientist and the Former Chairman, Space Commission and Secretary, Department of Space, Government of India, was elected Chairman of XXX ATCM.

Chairman of the XXX ATCM in his speech drew the attention of the Delegates to the latest IPCC Working Committee’s report on Climate Change which clearly indicates that mountain glacier and snow cover have declined in both hemispheres resulting in rise in the average sea level which may have severe consequences across the globe in the long run. Destruction of ozone, in addition to increasing the ultra-violet radiation can also lead to additional significant global warming through stratospheric chemistry.

Earlier, Dr. P.S. Goel, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, welcomed the Delegates and thanked the Treaty Parties in choosing India for the first time as the venue for hosting the XXX ATCM. Mr. Jan Huber, Executive Secretary Antarctic Treaty Secretariat at Buenos Aires also spoke on the occasion.

Antarctic is a place that invigorates global climate and oceans. In a world of increasing resource use, Antarctic recharges and revives the world’s ecosystems. Antarctic region is very critical to the global environment and ocean systems, as it controls the very sustenance of human kind on earth.

ATCM is the highest administrative forum for governing the Antarctica under the unique and one of the most successful Antarctic Treaty of 1959. Critical issues concerning Antarctica are discussed in ATCMs and management decisions are taken by consensus by the 28 Consultative Parties of the Treaty. There are 18 non-consultative parties to the treaty. Observers, experts and international organizations assist in the Treaty matters.

India is privileged to host the ATCM for the first time ever since India joined the Antarctic Treaty in 1983 and was granted the consultative status. It coincides with the Silver Jubilee Year of signing of the Treaty by India. The year is also being celebrated as the International Polar Year, to commemorate the International Geophysical Year 1957-58, which lead to the framing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959.

The ATCM provides a platform for exchange of information between the members in formulating and recommending measure to facilitate scientific research in Antarctica; preservation and conservation of fragile Antarctic ecosystems.

The first five days of the meeting starting from 30th April, 2007 will be devoted to issues related to Antarctic Environment in the Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP) and Legal and Institutional matters related to the Treaty and governance of Antarctic by the concerned Working Group. In the second week starting from 7th May to 11th May, 2007, delegates will discuss matters related to operation of national Antarctic programmes, such as logistics, scientific cooperation, education and awareness etc. The other critical set of issues before the ATCM is related to growing tourism in icy continent and possible threats to the environment.

More than 300 delegates and experts representing over 46 countries and organizations are participating in the meeting. During the deliberations, more than 40 Working Papers supported by over 130 Information Papers, a record for an ATCM will be presented and discussed, with focus on environmental protection, Antarctic tourism, global climate change and consequent sea level rise, ozone depletion, and preserving the pristine Antarctic environment as a continent of peace and science.

Source : Press Information Bureau
Date : April 30, 2007