"An overview of Colombia’s Antarctic programme"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
The Polar Journal
Opinion
Published Online: 28 November 2018
(Please contact me if you'd like a free PDF copy:
wilder.a.sanchez at gmaill.com)
ABSTRACT
This
paper provides an overview of the history and growth of Colombia’s
Antarctic programme and how it has rapidly progressed in recent years.
The country carried out its first Antarctic expedition with a
domestically manufactured vessel during the 2014–2015 austral summer.
Annual expeditions have continued since then, and in early 2018 the
government announced its intention to acquire a new vessel and establish
a seasonal base by 2025 at the latest in a location yet to be
determined. This rapid succession of achievements demonstrates
Colombia’s seriousness about its Antarctic programme. Nevertheless, a
major challenge will be to secure funding for its Antarctic programme,
thus 2018 will be a critical year as the country will hold general
elections, and it will be imperative for the next administration to
consider the programme a priority in order to maintain its momentum. It
is important to understand the intention and objectives of non-claimant
nations with growing Antarctic programmes and for the international
community to harness this interest so that they can carry out meaningful
contributions in order to protect Antarctica.
No comments:
Post a Comment