Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs described the Antarctic Treaty as “one of the most remarkable successes in international cooperation”. She urged the ATCM to be determined in its efforts “to advance international cooperation for peaceful science research and environmental protection even amongst deepening division and conflict in the international community” and emphasised that “Hiroshima continues to send peaceful messages to the world”.
The meetings agreed that further protection of emperor penguins is a priority. The Parties agreed to increase transparency and information exchange regarding Antarctic activities. Progress was made on a framework for further regulation of Antarctic tourism and other non-governmental activities. Parties agreed that further strong science cooperation is vital to understand and address rapid environmental change in Antarctica.
Antarctic Treaty Parties celebrated this year’s 35th anniversary of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Protocol), which protects Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science. New Zealand’s Ceisha Poirot was elected to a second two-year term as chair of the Committee for Environmental Protection, the body charged with implementing the Protocol and giving advice to the Antarctic Treaty Parties.
New Zealand’s interests in Antarctica are protected and advanced by the Antarctic Treaty System. This framework provides the rules and principles which commit all Parties to environmental protection, scientific cooperation, demilitarisation, and transparency in all activities on the continent.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade leads New Zealand’s involvement in these meetings, with support from Antarctica New Zealand and the Department of Conservation.
Further information on the outcomes of the meeting can be found in Japan’s Host Country communique: https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/101032347.pdf(external link).