Annual Report 2007-2008 - Ministry Of Earth Sciences

Ministry of Earth Sciences, Annual Report 2007-08Society’ under which the activities of NCAOR in Antarctica and results of Indian scientific researchundertaken in Antarctica during the past 25 years were highlighted. It also contributed to theExhibitions on Poles at Nehru Science Museum, Mumbai.2.9 Meetings and ConferencesXXX ATCM and X CEP at New DelhiThe Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) is the highest administrative forum for governingthe activities at Antarctica under the unique and one of the most successful treaties, the AntarcticTreaty of 1959. Critical issues concerning Antarctica are discussed in ATCMs and managementdecisions are taken by consensus by the 28 Consultative Parties of the Treaty. There are 18 nonconsultativeparties to the Treaty. Observers, experts and international organizations assist in theTreaty matters. The ATCM provides a platform for the exchange of information among the membersin formulating and recommending measures to facilitate scientific research in Antarctica; andpreservation and conservation of fragile Antarctic ecosystemsGovernment of India hosted the 30th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) at New Delhi.The meeting was inaugurated by Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister for Science & Technology andEarth Sciences on 30 April, 2007. This meeting continued at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi from 30April to 11 May 2007.India is privileged to host the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) for the first time eversince India joined the Antarctic Treaty in 1983 and was granted the consultative status. It coincidedwith the Silver Jubilee Year of signing of the Treaty by India. The year is also being celebrated asthe International Polar Year, to commemorate the International Geophysical Year 1957-58, whichled to the framing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959.Prof. U.R. Rao, an eminent space scientist and the former Chairman, Space Commission and Secretary,Department of Space, Government of India, was elected Chairman of the XXX ATCM.14