India will discuss a new research station it wants to build in Antarctica at the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) being held in Kochi between May 20 and 30. More than 350 researchers and officials from nearly 40 countries are expected to attend the meeting.
But overall, the most important meeting agenda is climate change impact monitoring, past climate assessments and better climate impact monitoring, he added.
The meeting will also feature the first ever discussions on the regulation of tourism in Antarctica. “Tourism in Antarctica must be regulated. India is leading the discussion on this topic.
We need to regulate the number of visitors, the areas that can be accessed, the areas that need to be protected, the periods when tourism can be allowed and how the whereabouts of visitors can be effectively and continuously monitored.
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“India plays a key role in driving Antarctic scientific exploration and environmental protection. It has the right to propose and vote on decisions and resolutions adopted during the ATCM in matters of administration, scientific research, environmental protection and logistical cooperation.
It can also establish research stations, conduct scientific programs and logistical operations, enforce environmental regulations, and access scientific data and research findings shared by members of the Antarctic Treaty.
The Contracting and Advisory Parties are responsible for upholding the Antarctic Treaty, managing the environment, promoting scientific research, and maintaining Antarctica as a zone of peace, free of military activities and territorial claims
