Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: The first-ever focused working group discussions on regulating tourism in Antarctica commenced in Kochi, from May 20, The ten-day meeting is being organized by the Indian Government along with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat. Around 350 people from nearly 40 countries are participating in his meeting, a PIB press release stated.
The discussions at the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and 26 Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) will focus on the regulation of tourism in a way that preserves the ecological integrity of Antarctica. The growing number of tourists visiting Antarctica every year is one of the major concerns as it has the potential to adversely impact the fragile environment of the region.
The Government is committed to protecting the pristine environment of Antarctica and promoting sustainable tourism activities in the region. The country’s efforts in this regard include the Indian Antarctic Act, 2022, which aims to regulate tourism in accordance with international standards.
