TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THE CONTEXT: India, through the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), has announced its hosting of the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) from May 20 to 30, 2024, in Kochi, Kerala.
EXPLANATION:
- This is in line with India’s poise to facilitate constructive global dialogue on environmental stewardship, scientific collaboration, and cooperation in Antarctica.
- The ATCM and meetings of the CEP are pivotal in the international community’s ongoing efforts to safeguard Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem and promote scientific research in the region.
- Convened annually under the Antarctic Treaty System, these meetings serve as forums for Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties and other stakeholders to address Antarctica’s pressing environmental, scientific, and governance issues.
- This initiative underscores India’s commitment to global environmental stewardship and scientific cooperation.
- These meetings play a crucial role in safeguarding Antarctica’s delicate ecosystem and promoting scientific research in the region.
Administrative Hub
- The Antarctic Treaty Secretariat (ATS) serves as the administrative hub, coordinating meetings, disseminating information, and facilitating diplomatic communication related to Antarctic governance.
- It monitors compliance with treaty provisions and provides assistance to parties on implementation matters.
India’s Growing Global Role
- India’s hosting of these meetings underscores its growing role as a responsible global stakeholder in preserving Antarctica.
- Through open dialogue, collaboration, and consensus-building, India upholds the principles of the Antarctic Treaty and contributes to sustainable management of Earth’s last pristine wilderness areas.
Antarctic Treaty:
- The Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington on 1 December 1959 by the twelve countries whose scientists had been active in and around Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-58.
- It entered into force in 1961 and has since been acceded to by many other nations. The total number of Parties to the Treaty is now 56.
- 12 Original Signatories countries are: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- India signed the treaty and received the consultative party status in 1983.
- Enacted Indian Antarctic Act, 2022, reaffirming its commitment to the Antarctic Treaty.
- India maintains two research stations on the continent: ‘Maitri’ (commissioned in 1989) at Schirmacher Hills and ‘Bharati’ (2012) at Larsemann Hills.