Environmental Affairs Minister, Barbara Creecy, says South Africa is committed to the Antarctic Treaty which regulates international relations with respect to Antarctica – Earth’s only continent without a native human population.
Representatives of the departments of @HigherEduGovZA and @DepartmentPWI , together with our own department are exploring ways to reduce the carbon footprint of our polar supply and research trip, the SA Agulhas II, during research expeditions. #AntarcticaSeason pic.twitter.com/Aj1EqqO0tf
— Environmentza (@environmentza) December 4, 2019
The treaty has been in force since 1961 and currently has 54 signatories. It sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve.
Minister of @environmentza @BarbaraCreecy_ launches 2019/20 #AntarcticaSeason today at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. https://t.co/K5qSqjyXLw pic.twitter.com/JIJUKRmlhz
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) December 4, 2019
Creecy delivered the keynote address at the launch of the 2019/2020 Antarctica season in Cape Town. Diplomats from ten countries that use Cape Town as a gateway to Antarctica attended the launch.
We’re at the launch of the 2019/20 #AntarcticaSeason at the @CTICC_Official today ?? thanks for the opportunity @BarbaraCreecy_ @environmentza ? pic.twitter.com/QWv2Tgoe8c
— Two Oceans Aquarium (@2OceansAquarium) December 4, 2019
The Minister explains how South Africa will continue to support the treaty.
“It’s very important that we should be setting up a research centre that will be dealing with logistical issues that will support the facilitation of research programs to the Antarctic.”
“It’s important for South Africa as a gateway country to Antarctica that we set up research centres that support the logistical issues that support research programmed in Antarctica.” – @BarbaraCreecy_ #AntarcticaSeason pic.twitter.com/z3qzcBcdlz
— Environmentza (@environmentza) December 4, 2019