Establishment of National Digital Repositories


The Representatives,

Recalling the commitment of the Parties under Article III (1) (c) of the Antarctic Treaty (“the Treaty”) to promote cooperation in scientific research through the exchange and free availability of scientific observations and results obtained from Antarctica;

Recalling also Resolution 4 (1998) on National Antarctic Data Centres;

Noting that not all Parties to the Treaty have established National Antarctic Data Centres or have national digital repositories for storing data and metadata relating to scientific observations and results from Antarctica;

Highlighting that rigorous data management strengthens the efficiency and quality of Antarctic research;

Recognising the work of the Standing Committee on Antarctic Data Management of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (“SCAR”) and its contribution to promoting cooperation between the scientific community and countries with regard to scientific data;

Recommend that their Governments:

1. promote, to the fullest extent of their capabilities, the establishment of national digital repositories with responsibility for Antarctic data and metadata; and

2. continue to implement Resolution 4 (1998) on National Antarctic Data Centres.