Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46)
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Source-This post on Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46)  has been created based on the article “Antarctic Parliament meets in Kochi: what’s on the table?” published in “The Indian Express” on 21 May 2024.

Why in News?

India is hosting the 46th session of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46), also referred to as the Antarctic Parliament, from May 20-30 in Kochi.

About 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46)

Maitri- Second Indian Antarctic station
Source: The Indian Express

1.  About: 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) is also referred to as the Antarctic Parliament. It is to be hosted from May 20-30 at Kochi, India.

2. Organizer: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa has organised the meeting under the auspices of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). India last hosted the ATCM in New Delhi in 2007.

3. Participation: Representatives from all 56 member countries of the Antarctic Treaty.

About Antarctic Treaty

1. About Antarctic Treaty: It is an international agreement that governs activities in Antarctica. It was signed on December 1, 1959, and entered into force on June 23, 1961.

2. Purpose: The treaty designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve and ensures that it remains exclusively for peaceful purposes.

3. Principles: The Antarctic Treaty designates Antarctica as a neutral, demilitarized zone to be used solely for peaceful purposes.

4. Signatories: It was initially signed by 12 countries. It now includes 56 countries, with India joining in 1983.

5. Key Provisions:

i) Antarctica is strictly for peaceful activities; military activities, including fortification and weapon testing, are prohibited.

ii) All activities, especially scientific research, are to be conducted freely with cooperation and data sharing among signatory nations.

iii) Nuclear explosions and the disposal of radioactive waste are forbidden.

India in Antarctica

1. Consultative Status: Since 1983, India has been a consultative party to the Antarctic Treaty, participating in decision-making processes about Antarctic governance.
Research Stations:

Dakshin Gangotri: India’s first research station, established in 1983 and was operational until 1990.
Maitri: It was established in 1989 in the Schirmacher Oasis, is still active, and supports summer and winter crews.
Bharati: It was opened in 2012 and is located on the Prydz Bay coast. It focuses on oceanographic and geological studies.

2. Future Plans: India intends to establish Maitri II by 2029 to replace the ageing Maitri station.

3. Legislative Action: In 2022, India enacted the Antarctic Act to reaffirm its commitment to the treaty’s principles.

About ATCM (Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting)

1. The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) is an annual gathering of the Parties to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty.

2. The ATCM consists of the original twelve signatories of the Antarctic Treaty and other nations that conduct significant research in Antarctica.

Agenda at ATCM (Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting)

1. Tourism Regulation: India will introduce a new working group aimed at formulating regulations to monitor tourism and protect the continent’s fragile ecosystem.

2. Sustainability and Environmental Protection: The conference will address sustainable management of Antarctic resources, biodiversity prospecting, and the impacts of climate change on the continent.

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