PIB Summary- 1st June, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

India successfully concludes hosting of the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26)

Context

• India hosted the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26) in Kochi, Kerala.
• The discussions involved crucial Antarctic issues, including environmental protection, tourism regulation, and scientific cooperation.
• The event highlighted India’s commitment to safeguarding Antarctica and promoting global environmental sustainability.

Analysis of the news:

• India hosted the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26) in Kochi, Kerala, from May 20-30, 2024.
• The theme was “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
• India announced plans to establish a new research station at the Antarctic, Maitri-II.
• The meetings reaffirmed the Antarctic Treaty (1959) and the Madrid Protocol (1991).

Antarctic Treaty (1959) and the Madrid Protocol (1991):
Antarctic Treaty (1959)

•  Establishment: Signed on December 1, 1959, and entered into force on June 23, 1961.
• Purpose: To ensure that Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes and scientific research.
• Military Activity: Prohibits military activity, such as the establishment of military bases and weapons testing.
• Nuclear Testing: Bans nuclear explosions and the disposal of radioactive waste.
• Scientific Cooperation: Promotes international scientific cooperation, including the exchange of research and data.
• Territorial Claims: Puts all territorial claims on hold, preventing new claims while the treaty is in force.
• Inspections: Allows for inspections by other parties to ensure compliance.

Madrid Protocol (1991)

• Adoption: Adopted on October 4, 1991, and entered into force on January 14, 1998.
• Environmental Protection: Provides comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment.
• Prohibited Activities: Bans all activities related to mineral resources, except for scientific research.
• Environmental Principles: Establishes principles for human activity, including waste management and environmental impact assessments.
• Protected Areas: Designates specially protected and managed areas to preserve ecological and scientific values.
• Liability: Sets rules for liability for environmental damage.

1. Seventeen revised and new management plans for Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) were adopted.
2. Discussions included sea ice change, environmental impact assessments, emperor penguin protection, and biosecurity measures.
3. The release of a commemorative MyStamp and a mural themed “Species-rich Antarctica” were highlights.
4. A framework for regulating tourism and non-governmental activities in Antarctica was discussed.
5. The event hosted over 400 delegates from 56 countries, focusing on science, policy, governance, environmental stewardship, and more.
6. The meetings included panel discussions and side events, emphasizing shared responsibilities and Antarctic governance.
7. The importance of renewable energy use and robust biosecurity measures to minimize Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza risks was stressed.