ANTARCTIC PARLIAMENT -
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
News: India hosts the Antarctic
Parliament: The history of the Antarctic Treaty
What's in the news?
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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.
ATCM (Antarctic Treaty
Consultative Meeting):
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The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) is
an annual gathering of the Parties to
the 1959 Antarctic Treaty.
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The ATCM consists of the original twelve signatories of the Antarctic Treaty and other
nations that conduct significant research in Antarctica.
46th Antarctic Treaty
Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46):
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46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM
46) is also referred to as the Antarctic Parliament.
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It is to be hosted from May 20-30 at Kochi, India.
Organizer:
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The National
Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa has organised the meeting under
the auspices of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
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India last hosted the ATCM in New Delhi in 2007.
Participation:
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Representatives from all 56 member countries of the Antarctic Treaty.
Agenda at ATCM
(Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting):
1. Tourism Regulation:
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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:
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The conference will address sustainable management
of Antarctic resources, biodiversity prospecting, and the impacts of climate
change on the continent.
Go back to basics:
Antarctic Treaty:
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It is an international agreement that governs
activities in Antarctica.
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It was signed on December 1, 1959, and entered into
force on June 23, 1961.
Purpose:
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The treaty designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve and ensures that it
remains exclusively for peaceful
purposes.
Principles:
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The Antarctic Treaty designates Antarctica as a neutral, demilitarized zone to be used
solely for peaceful purposes.
Signatories:
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It was initially signed by 12 countries.
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It now includes 56 countries, with India joining in 1983.
Key Provisions:
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Antarctica is strictly for peaceful activities, military activities, including
fortification and weapon testing, are prohibited.
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All activities, especially scientific research, are
to be conducted freely with cooperation and data sharing among signatory
nations.
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Nuclear explosions and the disposal of radioactive
waste are forbidden.
India in Antarctica
Consultative Status:
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Since 1983, India has been a consultative party to
the Antarctic Treaty, participating in decision-making processes about
Antarctic governance.
Research Stations:
1. Dakshin Gangotri:
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India’s first research station, established in 1983
and was operational until 1990.
2. Maitri:
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It was established in 1989 in the Schirmacher
Oasis, is still active, and supports summer and winter crews.
3. Bharati:
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It was opened in 2012 and is located on the Prydz
Bay coast. It focuses on oceanographic and geological studies.
Future Plans:
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India intends to establish Maitri II by 2029 to
replace the ageing Maitri station.
Legislative Action:
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In 2022, India enacted the Antarctic Act to
reaffirm its commitment to the treaty’s principles.