scientific cooperation, climate change implications, and tourism management.
Agreements were reached on several important matters.
The Parties emphasised the importance of education and outreach activities as an
essential element of cooperation enshrined in the Antarctic Treaty and the
Environmental Protocol.
A significant outcome was the adoption of a decision on development of an ambitious,
comprehensive, flexible and dynamic framework for regulating tourism and non-
governmental activities in Antarctica. Parties also discussed consultative status
requests from Canada and Belarus, but no consensus was reached.
The CEP meeting, during May 20 to 24, addressed a range of issues and contributed
to the implementation of the Environmental Protocol in Antarctica. The Committee
agreed to prioritise further work on: the management implications of sea ice change;
enhancing environmental impact assessment of major activities; protecting the
emperor penguin; and developing an international framework for environmental
monitoring in Antarctica. Following the advice of the CEP, the Parties adopted 17
revised and new management plans for ASPAs (Antarctic Specially Protected Areas)
and several modifications /additions to the list of Historic and Monument Sites (HSMs).
The ATCM also encouraged efforts to increase renewable energy use, and to ensure
robust implementation of biosecurity measures to minimise the risks of Highly
Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The CEP elected a new Chair, Ms Ceisha Poirot
from New Zealand.
The Host Country Secretariat through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean
Research (NCPOR), Goa, conducted several side events to mark the ATCM-46 and
CEP-26. It organised a seminar entitled ‘Changing Antarctic and Challenges Ahead’
jointly with the Korean Polar Research Institute and Polar Cooperation Research
Centre, Kobe University on May 20, 2024 comprising of two panel discussions themed
‘Challenges in Antarctic governance’ and ‘Shared responsibilities and commitments
for Antarctic future’. A specially customised Mystamp with the ATCM-46 logo was
released in collaboration with India Post. A mural themed ‘Species-rich Antarctica’
designed by school children, aimed at enhancing awareness of Antarctica amongst
the young minds was unveiled in collaboration with Germany, ASOC and its partners.
A panel discussion on ‘Antarctic Synergy: Driving Scientific Progress through
Diplomacy, fostering Cooperation through Research’ was organised as an outreach
effort for the college students from Kochi, Kerala.
The 46
th
Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was held with an overarching theme of
"Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" a Sanskrit phrase which means one Earth, one family, one
future. This resonates deeply with the Antarctic Treaty System – promoting peace,
scientific cooperation, and preservation of Antarctica for mankind.
The Parties expressed their gratitude to India and their appreciation for the excellent
hospitality and facilities provided for the Meeting.
The next ATCM (ATCM 47) will be hosted by Italy in 2025.