India is set to host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46)

 


 India is set to host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) from May 20 to 30, 2024, in Kochi, Kerala. This prestigious event is organized by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in collaboration with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)

The ATCM and CEP meetings play a crucial role in global efforts to safeguard Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem and promote scientific research in the region. Let me provide you with some additional context:

  1. Antarctic Treaty System:

    • The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 and entered into force in 1961, established Antarctica as a region dedicated to peaceful purposes, scientific cooperation, and environmental protection.
    • Currently, 56 countries are party to the Treaty.
    • The Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) was established under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol) in 1991. The CEP advises the ATCM on environmental protection and conservation in Antarctica.
  2. India’s Role:

    • India has been a Consultative Party to the Antarctic Treaty since 1983.
    • India actively participates in the decision-making process alongside other 28 Consultative Parties.
    • India operates two year-round research stations in Antarctica: Maitri (established in 1989) and Bharati (established in 2012).
    • These research stations facilitate Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica, which have been ongoing annually since 1981.
    • In 2022, India enacted the Antarctic Act, reaffirming its commitment to the Antarctic Treaty.
  3. Importance of Hosting ATCM and CEP Meetings:

    • Dr. M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, highlighted the significance of India hosting these meetings in 2024.
    • Hosting the ATCM and CEP meetings provides an opportunity for meaningful exchanges of knowledge and expertise to advance shared goals of environmental conservation and scientific research in the Antarctic region.
  4. Antarctic Treaty Secretariat (ATS):

    • The ATS serves as the administrative hub for the Antarctic Treaty System.
    • Established in 2004, the ATS coordinates the ATCM and CEP meetings, disseminates information, and facilitates diplomatic communication related to Antarctic governance and management.

India’s commitment to environmental protection, scientific cooperation, and peaceful operations in Antarctica underscores the importance of this upcoming event in Kochi. It’s a remarkable opportunity for global collaboration and dialogue on environmental stewardship..

For more details, you can refer to the official press release from the Press Information Bureau (PIB): India set to host the prestigious 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting



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