Antarctic Parliament

17th June, 2024 International Relations

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Context: Last month, India hosted the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in Kochi.

Details

Highlights of the Kochi Meet

Antarctic Parliament Push for Inclusive Governance

This year’s Antarctic Parliament saw significant developments, emphasizing an 'all inclusive' governance approach.

Introduction of Tourism Framework

The first-ever introduction to the tourism framework was initiated, with a near-complete resolution and annex at Kochi. This annex will address environmental liability concerning activities in Antarctica.

Maitri-II Research Station Announcement

India announced the successor to its 35-year-old Maitri research base, with plans to operationalize Maitri-II in the early 2030s.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Joins Antarctic Treaty Parties

Saudi Arabia became the latest entrant to the Antarctic Treaty Parties, marking a significant expansion of the treaty.

Environmental and Wildlife Protection Discussions

Discussions included sea ice changes, emperor penguin protection, enhancing environmental impact assessments, and developing an international framework for environmental monitoring.

India’s Message

Advocating for an 'All Inclusive' Approach

India emphasized the need for opening the Antarctic Treaty to more nations and stressed that geopolitics should not interfere with Antarctica's governance. The country advocated for a collective responsibility in governance, research, and policy framing.

Importance of Antarctica

Unique Environmental and Wildlife Characteristics

Antarctica, the fifth-largest continent, is covered by thick ice sheets holding about 75% of the Earth's freshwater reserves. Its pristine environment and unique wildlife are crucial under global warming scenarios.

Climate Change Impact and Permafrost Thawing

Fastened rates of permafrost thawing and the resultant release of carbon dioxide and methane are major concerns. The Kochi meet saw more areas of Antarctica earmarked as 'protected.'

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Risk

Growing tourism and human presence increase the risk of HPAI. The meeting stressed the need for biosecurity guidelines to mitigate this risk.

Future meetings

The ATCM-46 in Kochi, attended by over 400 members from 56 countries, highlighted significant steps towards inclusive governance, environmental protection, and responsible tourism in Antarctica. Further deliberations on these matters will continue in future meetings, including the next ATCM in Italy in 2025.

The Icy Continent and Indian Engagements

India’s tryst with Antarctica began in December 1981 with the launching of the first expedition from the shores of Goa.
‘Dakshin Gangotri’, the first Indian Scientific Research Station was commissioned in 1983–84 enabling first wintering by Indian team in Antarctica. The station was subsequently decommissioned on 25 February 1990.
The need for a bigger and better equipped station was felt, which led to the construction of MAITRI, the second Indian station on Schirmacher Oasis, Antarctica in 1988. The station can support around 25 people in the main structure and has in addition containerised living modules for the summer members. Lake Priyadarshini, apart from enhancing beauty of Maitri, is the life line catering to the water needs of the station.

India’s Geostrategic Engagements in Antarctica

India has always considered Antarctica to be a continent of peace and science
India took active plunge in the Antarctic activities by sending its first scientific expedition to Antarctica in 1981. The second expedition went next year in 1982 and returned in 1983.
India signed Antarctic Treaty on 19 August 1983 and received the consultative status on 12 September 1983.
India joined the Scientific Committee of Antarctica Research (SCAR) on 1 October 1984 and the Protocol on Environmental Protection (Madrid Protocol) to the Antarctic Treaty, also known as the Environmental Protocol, came into force from 14 January 1998.
India is also a permanent member of the Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) since it ratified the convention on 17 June 1985 and a member of Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programme (COMNAP).