SA to host ice-continent talks

2004-05-21 21:24

Cape Town - South Africa is to host the annual international Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM), set to be held from May 24 to June 4 at Cape Town International Convention Centre.

This is the first time the ATCM is being held on the African continent, according to South Africa's department of environmental affairs and tourism (Deat).

Unveiling details on Friday, Deat said the meeting, which is the main decision-making organ of the Antarctic Treaty system, will be attended by diplomats, legal experts and other functionaries from 44 countries, international institutions and NGOs. More than 300 delegates are expected.

The meeting is aimed at exchanging information and consultations on matters of common interest pertaining to Antarctica.

It is also to formulate, consider and recommend measures to various governments in promoting and furthering the principals and objectives of the Antarctic Treaty.

Continent for science

South Africa is one of the 12 original signatories to the Antarctic Treaty in 1959, and therefore an Antarctica Treaty consultative party (ATCP) since its inception.

The treaty is aimed at ensuring that Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes only, making scientific research easier, boosting international scientific co-operation and preserving and conserving Antarctic living resources.

South Africa is one of many countries involved with research programmes in Antarctica, known as the continent for science.

The country's involvement in Antarctica is significant as it provides a platform for strengthening international partnerships with other countries.

Air-bridge to Antarctica

South African base Sanae IV, the most-sophisticated and modern base in Antarctica, is providing a valuable platform for co-operation in international scientific research, and has served as a medical and search-and-rescue centre for eight countries for the past five years.

South Africa is playing a leading role in the establishment of an air-bridge between Cape Town and Antarctica, positioning it firmly as a port and air gateway to the Antarctic.

Eight countries either launch their expeditions from Cape Town Harbour or use Cape Town as the last port-of call.

- I-Net Bridge (News24)