Antarctic Parliament Meets In Kochi: Why They Are Meeting And What They'll Discuss?

India, through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), is hosting the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46,), also known as Antarctic Parliament, and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) from May 20 to 30 in Kochi. This aligns with India's commitment to fostering global dialogue on environmental stewardship, scientific collaboration, and cooperation in Antarctica.

Importance Of The Meet

The ATCM and CEP meetings are crucial for the international community's efforts to protect Antarctica's delicate ecosystem and promote scientific research in the region. Convened annually under the Antarctic Treaty System, these meetings serve as forums for Consultative Parties and other stakeholders to address pressing environmental, scientific, and governance issues.

The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 and effective since 1961, designates Antarctica as a zone for peaceful purposes, scientific cooperation, and environmental protection. The Treaty currently has 56 signatory countries. The CEP, established under the 1991 Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol), advises the ATCM on environmental protection and conservation in Antarctica.

India, a Consultative Party to the Antarctic Treaty since 1983, actively participates in the decision-making process with 28 other Consultative Parties. India's first Antarctic research station, Dakshin Gangotri, was established in 1983. Currently, India operates two year-round research stations: Maitri (since 1989) and Bharati (since 2012), facilitating annual Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica since 1981.

In 2022, India enacted the Antarctic Act, reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty.

The Antarctic Treaty Secretariat (ATS), established in 2004, serves as the administrative hub for the Antarctic Treaty System. It coordinates ATCM and CEP meetings, disseminates information, facilitates diplomatic communication, and ensures compliance with Treaty provisions.

Agenda

Key agenda items for ATCM 46 include strategic planning for sustainable management of Antarctica and its resources, policy and legal operations, biodiversity prospecting, inspections, research collaboration, climate change impacts, tourism framework development, and promoting awareness. The CEP 26 agenda focuses on environmental evaluation, impact assessment, climate change response, area protection and management plans, and biodiversity conservation.

India's scientific and strategic endeavors in the polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic), the Himalayas, and the Southern Ocean are managed by NCPOR in Goa, an autonomous institution under MoES. MoES has established a Host Country Secretariat with Dr Vijay Kumar as Head to coordinate the event. India has proposed Ambassador Pankaj Saran, a former Deputy National Security Advisor, to chair ATCM 46.