46th Antarctic Treaty meet begins in Kochi

May 22, 2024

In 2024, from May 20th to 30th, India will hold the important 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26). These meetings will take place in Kochi, Kerala. This project by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), which is part of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), fits with India’s goal of promoting global environmental discussion and scientific cooperation, especially when it comes to Antarctica.

Antarctic Treaty and the ATCM

The Antarctic Treaty, which was signed in 1959 and has been in force since 1961, says that Antarctica is a peaceful area for scientific research and environmental protection. Under this treaty, the annual ATCM brings together Consultative Parties to talk about important issues like governance, scientific research, and environmental management. At this point, 56 countries have signed on to the Treaty.

What is the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP)?

The CEP was created by the Madrid Protocol in 1991 and is very important for giving the ATCM advice on how to protect the climate in Antarctica. Some of the main areas of focus are evaluation, impact assessments, and management methods for protecting biodiversity on the continent and dealing with climate change.

India’s Role and Contributions

India has been a consultative party to the treaty since 1983, which means it actively takes part in making decisions about it. India’s program in the Antarctic began in 1983 with the building of the Dakshin Gangotri station. Two more stations, Maitri and Bharati, were then added. India reaffirmed its commitment to the ideals of the Antarctic Treaty when it passed the Antarctic Act in 2022. It also emphasized its commitment to protecting the environment and conducting peaceful scientific research.

Key Agenda for ATCM 46 and CEP 26

The meetings coming up in Kochi will talk about important issues like long-term management, protecting biodiversity, the effects of climate change, building up the infrastructure for tourism in Antarctica, and improving scientific study. The resources of the region will be planned strategically, and the legal and institutional systems needed to support these efforts will also be talked about.

More About Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM)

Overview of ATCM: The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) was first held in 1961. It operates under the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, which initially had 12 signatories. ATCM meetings are held annually.
Objectives and Key Decisions: The meetings aim to encourage scientific cooperation, protect the Antarctic environment, and ensure peaceful use of Antarctica. Key decisions include banning mineral mining and addressing climate change impacts. All decisions are made by consensus among member countries.
Membership and Regulations: By 2023, the Treaty had 54 parties, with 29 holding consultative status and voting rights. The Treaty System prohibits military activity in Antarctica. It mandates that all observed data and research results be freely available.

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