New Delhi: The first-ever focused working group discussions on regulating tourism in Antarctica will be held in Kochi, Kerala on May 20-30, 2024. The meeting, to be organized by the Indian government along with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat, will draw participation from over 350 people from nearly 40 countries, a PIB press release stated.
The discussions at the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and 26 Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) will focus on the regulation of tourism in a way that preserves the ecological integrity of Antarctica. The growing number of tourists visiting Antarctica every year is one of the major concerns as it has the potential to adversely impact the fragile environment of the region.
The government is committed to protecting the pristine environment of Antarctica and promoting sustainable tourism activities in the region. The country’s efforts in this regard include the Indian Antarctic Act, 2022, which aims to regulate tourism in accordance with international standards. The 46th ATCM will also provide an opportunity to discuss the induction of Canada and Belarus as consultative parties to the Antarctic Treaty System. Canada and Belarus have been signatories to the Antarctic Treaty System since 1988 and 2006, respectively. The inclusion of these two countries in the system will strengthen the cooperation in the exploration and conservation of Antarctica.
The government is also committed to promoting scientific research and environmental protection in Antarctica. A number of research stations have been set up and funds have been granted for various research projects. The government is also committed to enforcing environmental regulations and promoting sustainable tourism activities in the region. The 46th ATCM and 26 CEP will be a crucial platform for the governments and stakeholders to come together and discuss the future of tourism in Antarctica. The discussions will focus on the regulation of tourism in a way that preserves the ecological integrity of the region.