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Source– This post on Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting has been created based on the article “India to formally convey to ATCM its plans to built new research station in Antarctica” published in “The Indian Express” on 10 May 2024.
Why in the news?
India plans to announce its intention to build a new research station in Antarctica at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting which will be held in Kochi later this month.
About the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
| Aspects | Description |
| What is it? | The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) is an annual gathering of the Parties to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty. The ATCM consists of the original twelve signatories of the Antarctic Treaty and other nations that conduct significant research in Antarctica. |
| Purpose | Its primary goals are to share information, discuss issues of mutual interest related to Antarctica, and propose measures to governments in line with the Treaty’s principles. |
| Frequency and Hosting | 1. The ATCM has been an annual event since 1994. 2. Hosting duties rotate among the Consultative Parties in alphabetical order of their English names. 3. Participants include: a. Consultative Parties: Original Treaty signatories and others conducting substantial research. b. Non-Consultative Parties: Countries with an interest in Antarctic affairs. c. Observers and Experts: Organizations like the Scientific Committee on d. Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). |
| Decision-Making Process | The ATCM makes decisions through Measures, Decisions, and Resolutions: a. Measures are legally binding once ratified by all Consultative Parties. b. Decisions relate to the ATCM’s organizational matters and are non-binding. c. Resolutions offer guidance and are not legally enforceable. Although only Consultative Parties have decision-making power, all members contribute to discussions. |
About CEP
1. The Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) is a key advisory body established under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, commonly known as the Madrid Protocol, which was adopted in 1991.
2. The primary role of the CEP is to provide advice and recommendations to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) on matters concerning the conservation and environmental protection of Antarctica.
3. This includes overseeing the implementation of the Madrid Protocol and suggesting new ways to enhance the environmental stewardship of the Antarctic region.
UPSC Syllabus: International relations
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