News Today Logo

Posted 28 Feb 2024

2 min read

  • A recent study published in a journal estimated economic value of ecosystem services of A&SO at around $180 billion (USD) per annum.

 

  • Ecosystem services: Defined as the direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human well-being, and have an impact on our survival and quality of life.

 

  • Ecosystem Services provided by A&SO
    • Provisioning services: Characterised by ability of humans to obtain products from ecosystems.
      • Antarctic toothfish and krill used as food for humans, high-value pharmaceuticals, etc.
    • Regulating services: Benefits obtained from natural processes and functioning of ecosystems, such as climate regulation, natural hazard regulation, etc.
      • Southern Ocean absorbs CO₂ from atmosphere and helps transport water around the globe.
    • Cultural services: Non-material benefits obtained by people from ecosystems such as spiritual enrichment, recreation, etc.
      • Tourism and scientific research in Antarctic.

 

  • Governance of A&SO
    • Antarctic Treaty (1959): Applies to area south of 60° South latitude, stipulates peaceful use of Antarctica.
    • Antarctic Treaty System: Comprises the Treaty itself and a number of related agreements related to scientific cooperation, protection of Antarctic environment, etc.

 

India’s interests in A&SO

  • Scientific Research: Two operational research stations in Antarctica - Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012).
    • Dakshin Gangotri was decommissioned in 1990.
  • Indian Antarctic Act, 2022: Aimed at having India’s own national measures for protecting Antarctic environment and associated ecosystem.
  • India is a signatory to Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and Madrid Protocol.
  • Tags :
  • Antarctic and Southern Ocean
  • Ecosystem Services
Watch News Today
Width resize handle
Height resize handle

Search Notes

Filter Notes

No notes yet

Create your first note to get started.

No notes found

Try adjusting your search criteria.

Subscribe for Premium Features