Hiroshima meet tackles Antarctica concerns
More than 40 nations wrapped up an annual meeting on Antarctica in Hiroshima on Thursday, reaffirming that global warming poses a major threat to the continent’s fragile ecosystem and agreeing to continue international scientific cooperation to address the issue.
The 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, which opened May 11, focused on the peaceful use of Antarctica and environmental protection. Most of the participating nations have actively engaged in scientific research in the region.
Delegates also discussed ways to regulate the growing number of tourists visiting Antarctica and ensure transparency in activities conducted there by individual countries.
More than 100,000 tourists now visit Antarctica each year, making tourism management one of the meeting’s central topics.
Protected species
Participants also underscored the importance of maintaining Antarctica as a zone dedicated to peace and scientific research at a time of deepening global divisions.
Meanwhile, the meeting failed to reach agreement on designating emperor penguins as a specially protected species, despite support from an overwhelming majority of countries.
The species is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. But China strongly opposed the proposed designation, with Russia backing its position, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
“Antarctica remains remarkably untouched by human interference and is home to a natural environment of exceptional value,” a communique issued by host Japan said.
Territorial claims
“Safeguarding this pristine environment from the adverse effects of the growing tourists in recent years has emerged as a matter of paramount importance and shared responsibility among the international community.”
Adopted by 12 countries, including Japan, in 1959, the Antarctic Treaty entered into force in 1961. It freezes territorial claims on the continent, bans nuclear explosions and radioactive waste disposal, and promotes international cooperation.
Hideki Uyama, the Foreign Ministry official who chaired the meeting, noted that participants were able to send a message, from the international city of peace, that they will do everything possible to preserve the Antarctic Treaty in an era of division and confrontation.
It was the first time Japan hosted the meeting since 1994. The next session is scheduled for May 2027 in the South Korean city of Incheon.
