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Posted 01 Jun 2024

2 min read

These were hosted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.

  • The CEP advises the ATCM on environmental protection and conservation in Antarctica.
  • Measures, Decisions and Resolutions, adopted at the ATCM, give effect to the principles of the Antarctic Treaty.

About Antarctic Treaty

  • Genesis:  Signed in Washington, in 1959 by 12 countries & entered into force in 1961.
  • Members:  57 out of which 29 are consultative parties (participate in the decision-making).
    • India has been a Consultative Party since 1983. 
  • Applicability: The area south of 60° South latitude.
  • Key provisions
    • Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only.
    • Facilitate international scientific cooperation in Antarctica.
    • Prohibits nuclear explosions, radioactive waste disposal, and military deployments in Antarctica.

India’s Initiatives for Antarctica

  • India’s first Antarctic research station was Dakshin Gangotri (983). India currently operates two research stations- Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012).
    • In ATCM- 46 India announced a plan to set up an Antarctic research station, Maitri-II.
  • In 2022, India enacted the Antarctic Act, reaffirming its commitment to the Antarctic Treaty.

Related Agreements to Antarctica Treaty

  • Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty(1991): designates Antarctica as a “natural reserve, devoted to peace and science.
  • The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972): To promote and achieve the protection, scientific study, and rational use of Antarctic seals.
  • Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980): provides for the conservation and rational use of krill, fin fish and other marine living resources.
  • Tags :
  • Antarctic Treaty
  • Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
  • Committee on Environmental Protection
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