Sibal calls for containing tourism in Antarctica

New Delhi, Apr 30 (UNI) Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal today called for developing a 'framework of regulation' to contain tourism in Antarctica.

''A fresh look needs to be taken at the growth of tourism in Antarctica, in the context of exploitation of resources and protecting the environment of this vast continent,'' Mr Sibal said, inaugurating the XXX Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) here.

He urged delegates to embark upon a new global enterprise and to charter new areas of international collaboration in the true spirit of the Antarctic Treaty.

''In the present scenario of globalisation where national barriers are fast disappearing, where time zones have shrunk, we must embark upon a new global enterprise,'' he said .

Spelling out India's commitment to preserve the pristine environment of ''the last frontier on earth'', he urged the Antarctic Treaty parties to cooperate in the scientific pursuit for the benefit of mankind.

He also drew the attention of delegates to the role played by the Treaty in providing good governance and environmental stewardship in managing Antarctica, a common heritage of mankind.

He said the International Polar Year 2007-08 had also brought countries together for the launch of a comprehensive science mission.

''Such a mission is not geared for economic gain, but it is, in fact, a long-term campaign through which scientists hope to unravel the enigmas of nature and space best understood from a vantage point like Antarctica.'' Eminent space scientist U R Rao, who was elected Chairman of XXX ATCM, drew attention to the IPCC Working Committee's latest report on Climate Change.

The Report, he said, indicated that mountain glaciers and snow cover had declined in both hemispheres resulting in the rise in average sea level that might have severe consequences across the globe in the long run.

''Destruction of ozone, in addition to increasing the ultra-violet radiation, can also lead to additional significant global warming through stratospheric chemistry,'' he added.

India is hosting the ATCM for the first time since it joined the Antarctic Treaty in 1983 and was granted the consultative status.

More than 300 delegates and experts representing 46 countries and organisations are participating in the meeting.

The first five days of the meeting, starting today, will be devoted to issues related to Antarctic Environment in the Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP) and legal and institutional matters related to the Treaty and governance of the Antarctic by the working group concerned.

In the second week, from May 7-11, delegates will discuss matters related to the operation of national Antarctic programmes such as logistics, scientific cooperation, education and awareness.

The other critical set of issues before the ATCM is related to growing tourism in the icy continent and possible threats to the environment.

During the deliberations, more than 40 working papers supported by 130 information papers-- a record for an ATCM-- will be presented and discussed, with focus on environmental protection, Antarctic tourism, global climate change and consequent sea level rise, ozone depletion, and preserving the pristine Antarctic environment as a continent of peace and science.

ATCM is the highest administrative forum for governing Antarctica under the unique and one of the most successful Antarctic Treaty of 1959.

Critical issues concerning Antarctica are discussed in the ATCMs and management decisions are taken by consensus by the 28 Consultative Parties of the Treaty.

There are 18 non-consultative parties to the treaty. Observers, experts and international organisations assist in the Treaty matters.

UNI