India successfully hosted the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26th Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP-26) in Kochi (Kerala) from May 20 to 30, 2024. These meetings were organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences with the help of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, in collaboration with the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat, headquartered in Argentina.
The 46th ATCM was attended by 328 delegates (in-person), and 76 delegates (virtually). The delegates belonged to 56 countries. The delegates included scientists, diplomats, and scholars from different parts of the world.
Both ATCM and CEP are vital global forums to discuss the matters related to Antarctica. Organised annually, these forums serve as a common platform to facilitate coordinated and collective discussion and action related to the preservation of one of the most flawless and delicate ecosystems.
In 2025, Italy will host the 47th ATCM.
Theme of the 46th ATCM
The central theme of the 46th ATCM was ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam’ which is a Sanskrit phrase, implying ‘one Earth, one family, one future’. This is completely in agreement with the Antarctic Treaty System, whose main objective is to promote scientific cooperation and peace along with preserving Antarctica for human beings.
Developments of the Event
During the event, the Union Minister of Earth Sciences (MoES), Kiren Rijiju announced an important goal of India, i.e., the establishment of Maitri-II, which would be an Antarctic Research Station. Further, the Secretary of MoES and head of the Indian delegation, M. Ravichandran opined that all-inclusive environmental evaluations for the purpose of setting up Maitri-II would shortly be submitted by India.
The parties reasserted the Antarctic Treaty (1959) as well as the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (i.e., the Madrid Protocol, 1991). Besides, a discussion was held by the additional working group on preparing a tourism framework this year for the white continent.
Indian dignitaries shed light on India’s commitment to scientific research, international cooperation, climate change analyses, and the Antarctic Treaty. He stated that hosting the ATCM-46 is an honour for India. Rijiju also participated in the global discussion regarding science, peace, and environmental protection and management in Antarctica so that the most immaculate, uninhabited region on the Earth can be preserved.
According to the Indian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Pavan Kapoor, more scientific knowledge should be gained so that climate change and global warming, particularly in polar regions, can be tackled. This knowledge will enable India to team up with other nations in the matters of Antarctica. The former Secretary of the MoES and Director of Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, Shailesh Nayak highlighted certain significant issues related to climate-change in Antarctica. For instance, regional warming, melting of polar ice, and rise in sea level along with acidification in the ocean.
While giving the opening plenary SCAR lecture, Sheeba Chenoli, threw light on the interconnections between the Antarctic and tropical regions. She explained the link between the Antarctic sea ice and extreme events in lower latitudes—including cyclones, floods, and the monsoon seasons in South America, Australia, and South Asia.
The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) is a thematic organisation, which belongs to the International Science Council. The SCAR lecture is a part of the plenary. SCAR also provides objective advice to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and International Panel on Climate Change.
Key Discussions at the 46th ATCM
Some of the major discussions held at the 46th ATCM:
- Functioning of the Antarctic Treaty System
- Exchange of relevant information
- Strategic work plan for several years
- Safety, liability, and inspections
- Cooperation on scientific level
- Biological possibilities
- Scientific problems
- Problems related to education
- Consequences of climate change
- Scientific challenges in the future, and
- Management of tourism
Outcomes of the ATCM
Parties focused on the importance of cooperation, i.e., outreach activities and education, one of the most significant aspects of the Antarctic Treaty and the Environmental Protocol.
A decision was made on preparing a framework for the regulation of tourism and non-governmental activities in Antarctica. Such framework should be flexible, goal-driven, all-inclusive, and can be changed depending on the situation.
However, no agreements could be made on issues, such as consultative status requests from Belarus and Canada.
Key Discussions at the 26th CEP
During the 26th CEP meeting, number of issues were discussed. The meeting also facilitated the execution of the Environmental Protocol in Antarctica. The following tasks were unanimously decided on priority basis:
- To conserve and protect the emperor penguin
- To manage the consequences of sea ice change
- To increase the assessment of environmental impact of significant activities
- To build a global framework for examining the environment in Antarctica
Outcomes of the 26th CEP
Around 17 modified and new management plans related to Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) were adopted by the parties along with some alterations or additions to the list of historic and monument sites (HSMs).
The ATCM supported the efforts to enhance the use of renewable energy and to make sure that biosecurity measures are strictly implemented so that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) poses reduced risks.
Ceisha Poirot from New Zealand, was appointed as a new Chairperson of the CEP.
Commemorating the Event
To commemorate the event, the Host Country Secretariat with the help of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, organised a number of auxiliary events. In coordination with the Korean Polar Research Institute and Polar Cooperation Research Centre (Kobe University), the NCPOR prepared a seminar, namely ‘Changing Antarctic and Challenges Ahead’ on May 20, 2024. As part of the seminar, two panel discussions were held. Their themes were Shared Responsibilities and Commitments for Antarctic Future and Challenges in Antarctic Governance.
Further, in collaboration with India Post, a custom-made postage stamp ‘MyStamp’ was released with the ATCM-46 logo on it. Besides, several school students designed a mural that represented ‘Species-rich Antarctica’. The mural was uncovered in conjunction with Germany, Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC), and its partners. It was meant to create more awareness about Antarctica among the youth of today’s times. Besides, an outreach programme was organised in the form of a panel discussion on the theme: ‘Antarctic Synergy: Driving Scientific Progress through Diplomacy, Fostering Cooperation through Research’. It was meant for the college students living in Kochi, Kerala.
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