India to host 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting. india news

India to host 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.  india news


Mumbai: The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, through the National Center for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) will host the 46th conference. Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and 26th meeting of the Committee Environment protection (CEP 26) from May 20 to 30, 2024, in Kochi, Kerala. This is in line with India’s spirit of facilitating constructive global dialogue on environmental management, scientific cooperation and collaboration. Antarctica,
ATCM and CEP meetings are important in the international community’s ongoing efforts to protect and promote Antarctica’s fragile ecosystems. scientific research In area. Convened annually under the Antarctic Treaty System, these meetings serve as a forum for Antarctic Treaty Advisory Parties and other stakeholders to address critical environmental, scientific and governance issues of Antarctica. The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 and entered into force in 1961, established Antarctica as a territory dedicated to peaceful purposes, scientific cooperation, and environmental protection. The treaty has gained widespread support over the years and is currently joined by 56 countries. The CEP was established in 1991 under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol). The CEP advises the ATCM on environmental protection and conservation in Antarctica.
India has been a consultative party to the Antarctic Treaty since 1983. It participates in decision-making processes along with the other 28 consultative parties to the Antarctic Treaty to date. India’s first Antarctic research station, South Gangotri, was established in 1983. Currently, India operates two year-end research centres: Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012). Permanent research stations facilitate Indian scientific expeditions to Antarctica, which have been running annually since 1981. In 2022, India enacted the Antarctic Act, reaffirming its commitment to the Antarctic Treaty.
As a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, India is dedicated to environmental protection, scientific cooperation and peaceful conduct of operations in Antarctica. Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, highlighted the importance of India hosting the ATCM and CEP meetings in 2024. “As a country we look forward to promoting meaningful exchange of knowledge and expertise to advance shared goals,” he said. Environmental protection and scientific research in the Antarctic region.
The Antarctic Treaty Secretariat (ATS) serves as the administrative center for the Antarctic Treaty System. Established in 2004, the ATS coordinates ATCM and CEP meetings, reproduces and disseminates information, and facilitates diplomatic communications, exchanges, and negotiations related to Antarctic governance and management. It also monitors compliance with Antarctic Treaty provisions and agreements and provides assistance and guidance to Antarctic Treaty parties on treaty implementation and enforcement matters.
Key points on 46th The ATCM agenda includes strategic planning for the sustainable management of Antarctica and its resources; policy, legal and institutional operations; Biodiversity Prospecting; monitoring and exchanging information and data; Research, collaboration, capacity building and collaboration; addressing the impacts of climate change; development of tourism infrastructure; and promoting awareness. Scientific Committee lectures on Antarctic research will also be organised. 26th The CEP agenda focuses on Antarctic environmental assessment, impact assessment, management and reporting; climate change response; area conservation and management plans, including marine endemic conservation; and conservation of Antarctic biodiversity.
host of 46th ATCM and 26th The CEP meeting reflects India’s growing role as a responsible global stakeholder in efforts to preserve Antarctica for future generations. Through open dialogue, collaboration and consensus building, India is committed to upholding the principles of the Antarctic Treaty and contributing to the sustainable management of one of the Earth’s last pristine wilderness areas.
India’s scientific and strategic efforts in the polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic), the Himalayas and the Southern Ocean are under the National Center for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa. NCPOR is a reputed autonomous institute under MoES, Government of India. MoES has established a host country secretariat with Dr. Vijay Kumar, Scientist G and Advisor, as Head at MoES Headquarters for successful coordination and organization of the programme. India has proposed the name of distinguished former Deputy National Security Advisor, Ambassador Pankaj Saran for the chairmanship of the 46th ATCM.
Participation in ATCM and CEP meetings is limited to representatives nominated by the Parties, observers and invited experts. More than 350 delegates from over 60 countries are expected to participate in the 46th ATCM and 26th This year CEP was hosted by NCPOR, MoES at Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Center (LBICC) in Kochi, India.




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