The last continent must remain a pristine wilderness

The last continent must remain a pristine wilderness

Sub: Geography

Sec: Mapping

Context:

46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46):

• Held at: Kochi, Kerala
• Focus: Antarctic tourism and regulatory framework
• Outcome: No definitive solution; highlighted the complexity of managing tourism in a changing environment.
• ATCM-46 Developments:
  • Recognized the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework but failed to reach a consensus.
  • A new working group was established to develop regulations over the next year.

Growth of Antarctic Tourism:

• Tourist Numbers: Surged from a few thousand in the early 1990s to over 1,00,000 in the 2022-23 season. Estimated 1,18,089 tourists in 2023-2024 by IAATO.
• Tourist Demographics: The United States and China account for over 40% of tourists.
• Tourist Activities: Multi-day expeditions on ships, larger cruises, fly-sail operations, wildlife observation, photography, mountain climbing, and skiing.
• Benefits:
  • Educational opportunities and Economic benefits
• Environmental Concerns:
  • Disruption of wildlife, Damage to fragile ecosystems, Introduction of invasive species, Ship traffic pollution, Increased carbon footprint, Climate change effects

Regulatory Framework Issues

• Existing Framework:
  • Antarctic Treaty (1961): Prioritizes peaceful use and scientific research.
  • Madrid Protocol: Broad environmental guidelines, lacks specific tourism regulations.
• Current Management: Largely self-regulated by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).
  • IAATO is an international organization comprised of more than 100 respected companies and organizations from across the world.
  • Their mission is to advocate, promote and practice safe and environmentally responsible private-sector tourism to the Antarctic.

India’s Position and Actions:

• ATCM 44 (2022): Raised concerns about tourism’s impact on research, conservation, and the environment.
• Resolution 5 (2022): Advised against building tourism-related structures with significant environmental impacts.
• India’s Actions: Enacted its own Antarctic Law in 2022 despite lack of international consensus.

About Antarctic Treaty

• It is an international agreement that governs activities in Antarctica. It was signed on December 1, 1959, and entered into force on June 23, 1961.
• Purpose: The treaty designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve and ensures that it remains exclusively for peaceful purposes.
• Principles: The Antarctic Treaty designates Antarctica as a neutral, demilitarized zone to be used solely for peaceful purposes.
• Signatories: It was initially signed by 12 countries. It now includes 56 countries, with India joining in 1983.
• Key Provisions:
  • Antarctica is strictly for peaceful activities; military activities, including fortification and weapon testing, are prohibited.
  • All activities, especially scientific research, are to be conducted freely with cooperation and data sharing among signatory nations.
  • Nuclear explosions and the disposal of radioactive waste are forbidden.

About the India’s Antarctica Act of 2022:

• It is the first domestic legislation with regard to Antarctica in India.
• It seeks to extend the application of domestic laws to research stations set up by India in the Antarctic region.
• The Act now puts into place a comprehensive list of regulations related to Antarctica, for such scientific expeditions, as well as for individuals, companies and tourists
• The Act prohibit Indian expedition to Antarctica without a permit or written authorisation of another party to the Antarctic Treaty, provides for inspection by an officer appointed by the government and for penalty for contravention of certain provisions of the legislation.
• It also seeks to constitute a fund for the welfare of Antarctic research work and the protection of the environment of the icy continent.
• The Antarctic Act extends the jurisdiction of Indian courts to Antarctica, for crimes on the continent by Indian citizens, or foreign citizens who are a part of Indian expeditions.
• The Act prohibits an extensive list of actions on the continent, including drilling, dredging, excavation or collection of mineral resources.
  • An exception can be made if it is done for scientific research with a granted permit.
• It also restricts individuals from damaging the environment, including native plants, birds and seals.
• It disallows flying or landing helicopters or operating vessels that can disturb the native animals.
• It prohibits any activity that could harm the habitat of birds and animals, kill, injure or capture any bird or animal.
• Introducing any non-native animals, birds, plants of microscopic organisms is also prohibited under the Act.
• Violating any of the regulations prescribed by the Act will attract high penalties.
  • The lowest penalty comprises an imprisonment between one-two years and a penalty of Rs 10-50 lakh.
• Extraction of any species native to Antarctica, or introduction of an exotic species to the continent can draw imprisonment of seven years and a fine of Rs 50 lakh.

Source: TH