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Source- This post on the 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26) has been created based on the article “India successfully concludes hosting of the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26)” published in “PIB” on 1 June 2024.
Why in the News?
India successfully hosted the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26) from May 20th to May 30th, 2024, in Kochi, Kerala.
Key outcome of the event
1. Environmental Evaluations for Maitri-II: India will submit comprehensive environmental evaluations for the establishment of the new research station, Maitri-II.
2. CEP Priorities: The Committee agreed to focus on:
a) Management of implications of sea ice change
b) Enhancing environmental impact assessments of major activities
c) Protecting the emperor penguin
d) Developing an international framework for environmental monitoring in Antarctica
3. Management Plans Adoption: The Parties adopted 17 revised and new management plans for Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) and made several modifications and additions to the list of Historic and Monument sites.
4. Renewable Energy and Biosecurity: The ATCM encouraged efforts to increase the use of renewable energy and to ensure robust biosecurity measures to minimize the risks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
5. Awareness Initiatives: A commemorative MyStamp featuring the ATCM-46 logo was released, and a mural titled ‘Species-rich Antarctica’ was unveiled to enhance awareness of Antarctica.
6. Tourism Framework: A significant outcome was the adoption of a decision to develop an ambitious, comprehensive, flexible, and dynamic framework for regulating tourism and non-governmental activities in Antarctica. The Parties also discussed consultative status requests from Canada and Belarus, but no consensus was reached.
About Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP)
1. The CEP was established in 1991 under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol).
2. Purpose: The CEP advises the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) on matters related to environmental protection and conservation in Antarctica.
3. CEP-26 Agenda Focus:
a) Assessing the current state of the Antarctic environment.
b) Evaluating the environmental impact of activities in the region.
c) Managing and reporting on environmental protection efforts.
d) Developing strategies to respond to climate change impacts in Antarctica.
e) Creating and updating management plans for protected areas, including marine spatial protection.
f) Implementing measures to conserve Antarctic biodiversity and protect native species.
Read more: Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46)
UPSC Syllabus: International organisation
