Green Expedition in the Antarctic
The Representatives,
Recalling that the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (“the Protocol”) designates “Antarctica as a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science” and sets out environmental principles which provide guidance for scientific activities, as supported and prioritised both by the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol;
Recognising that achievements from scientific investigations conducted by the National Antarctic Programmes of the Parties, usually in the name of Antarctic Expedition, contribute greatly to the understanding of Antarctica and its role in global natural processes;
Recognising the legal requirements of, and the benefits that can be gained from, conducting an appropriate Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) that highlights how to improve the environmental efficiency of the activity and address cumulative impacts;
Noting that there are growing scientific interests and needs in Antarctica, which may result in additional research and associated logistic supporting activities and also increased pressures on local environments, and that more consideration should be given to the balance between environmental protection and scientific activities;
Recalling that Parties commit to protect the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems;
Recognising that the Protocol and its Annexes in force and the effective Measures which are binding tools and some current Resolutions adopted at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (“ATCM”) by consensus all together contribute to protect the Antarctic environment, and that the Committee for Environmental Protection and the ATCM work continuously to further improve regulation in order to reach the objectives of the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol;
Acknowledging that environmentally-friendly activities in the Antarctic are much appreciated and encouraged;
Desiring to build the concept of Green Expedition which is based on the ideals of efficiency, harmony and sustainability and aimed at taking all available methods (including those contained in current Resolutions and new ones from the advancement of modern management and technology) to reduce human impact;
Recommend that their Governments:
1. reaffirm their commitment to protect the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems and to encourage collaborative efforts to this end;
2. support the concept of Green Expedition by encouraging their National Antarctic Programmes to conduct science in an environmentally-friendly manner in the Antarctic;
3. encourage their National Antarctic Programmes to work more closely with other Parties, including through participation and interaction with organisations such as Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (“SCAR”) and the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (“COMNAP”), to develop more collaborative projects and to promote the sharing of experiences and advanced technology; and
4. produce high-quality Environmental Impact Assessments when new activities are planned that include as far as possible best practices to prevent and minimise environmental impact.
The Representatives,
Recalling that the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (“the Protocol”) designates “Antarctica as a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science” and sets out environmental principles which provide guidance for scientific activities, as supported and prioritised both by the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol;
Recognising that achievements from scientific investigations conducted by the National Antarctic Programmes of the Parties, usually in the name of Antarctic Expedition, contribute greatly to the understanding of Antarctica and its role in global natural processes;
Recognising the legal requirements of, and the benefits that can be gained from, conducting an appropriate Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) that highlights how to improve the environmental efficiency of the activity and address cumulative impacts;
Noting that there are growing scientific interests and needs in Antarctica, which may result in additional research and associated logistic supporting activities and also increased pressures on local environments, and that more consideration should be given to the balance between environmental protection and scientific activities;
Recalling that Parties commit to protect the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems;
Recognising that the Protocol and its Annexes in force and the effective Measures which are binding tools and some current Resolutions adopted at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (“ATCM”) by consensus all together contribute to protect the Antarctic environment, and that the Committee for Environmental Protection and the ATCM work continuously to further improve regulation in order to reach the objectives of the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol;
Acknowledging that environmentally-friendly activities in the Antarctic are much appreciated and encouraged;
Desiring to build the concept of Green Expedition which is based on the ideals of efficiency, harmony and sustainability and aimed at taking all available methods (including those contained in current Resolutions and new ones from the advancement of modern management and technology) to reduce human impact;
Recommend that their Governments:
1. reaffirm their commitment to protect the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems and to encourage collaborative efforts to this end;
2. support the concept of Green Expedition by encouraging their National Antarctic Programmes to conduct science in an environmentally-friendly manner in the Antarctic;
3. encourage their National Antarctic Programmes to work more closely with other Parties, including through participation and interaction with organisations such as Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (“SCAR”) and the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (“COMNAP”), to develop more collaborative projects and to promote the sharing of experiences and advanced technology; and
4. produce high-quality Environmental Impact Assessments when new activities are planned that include as far as possible best practices to prevent and minimise environmental impact.
