Further Background
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One Planet – Polar Summit and Antarctica InSync Programme
In November 2023, the “One Planet – Polar Summit” was held in Paris, France, organized by the Paris Peace Forum. During this event, UNESCO announced a new programme called “Antarctica InSync” with the purpose to better understand, protect, and manage the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. This program is part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), also known as the “Ocean Decade.”
Why This Matters
The melting ice shields and rising sea level will put hundreds of millions of lives at risk. The Antarctica InSync programme will study the connections dynamics between ice, ocean, climate, environment, and life in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. It aims to find solutions like marine protection.
Goals of Antarctica InSync
Antarctica InSync will:
- Make detailed scientific observations in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
- Help create a complete picture of how ice, ocean, climate, and environment are connected.
- Share data and knowledge to support better decision-making.
Challenges and Collaboration
Research in Antarctica is hard because of its remote location and extreme weather. No single country or science programme can handle it alone. That’s why the German Alfred Wegener Institute is working with institutions from countries like Australia, Canada, France, India, and the USA, among others, to create a broad research programme.
Phases of the Programme
Preparatory Phase (Starting in 2024): This phase will focus on planning and coordinating scientific and infrastructure processes. It will involve creating alliances and working groups with all stakeholders.
Implementation and Analysis Phase (2027-2030): This phase will include joint field campaigns in land, sea, and air. Observations will cover all parts of the Antarctic/Southern Ocean region and will study the unique biodiversity using various technologies.
Connection to the Ocean Decade
Antarctica InSync is one of the regional programmes under the Ocean Decade, a global initiative led by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/UNESCO).
About the Alfred Wegener Institute
The Alfred Wegener Institute coordinates Antarctica InSync together with many international partners. It conducts research in the Arctic, Antarctic, and oceans. It coordinates polar research in Germany and provides important infrastructure like the research icebreaker Polarstern.
About the Ocean Decade
The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) aims to improve our understanding of the ocean and create solutions for sustainable development. It encourages cooperation among scientists and stakeholders to protect and sustainably manage the ocean.
For more information, visit the official websites of the Alfred Wegener Institute and The Ocean Decade.
