View source for Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM)

Read about Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and its meetings held till date.

== 46th ATC Meeting ==

* [[File:ATCM-Gyaankosh.png|thumb|46th ATCM]]Held in '''Kochi, Kerala''' in '''May 2024.'''
* Highlighted '''ongoing debate on Antarctic tourism'''.
* ATCM is the '''primary platform for international cooperation on Antarctic issues'''.
* The '''International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) estimates a figure of 1,18,089 tourists in 2023-2024'''.
* The '''United States and China account for more than 40% of tourists''' to the Antarctic.
** This growth is attributed to '''increased global interest in adventure travel and a desire to experience Antarctica’s unique landscapes and wildlife'''.
** Tourists typically '''embark on multi-day expeditions on small to medium-sized ships''', '''with some opting for larger cruises or fly-sail operations'''.
** ''Activities range from wildlife observation and photography to mountain climbing and skiing''.

=== Progress Made ===

* The meeting '''focused on developing a “comprehensive, flexible, and dynamic” framework for regulating tourism and non-governmental activities'''.
* A '''newly established working group will lead this effort over the next year'''.
* This signifies a '''renewed commitment to address the challenges of the Antarctic'''.
* '''Antarctica needs stronger measures to mitigate tourism impacts''', ''as there are gaps in the current governance frameworks''.
* The '''Antarctic Treaty System and the Madrid Protocol offer broad guidelines''', ''but daily management relies heavily on self-regulation by IAATO, which many believe is inadequate for protecting wildlife and ecosystems''.

=== Environment Concerns ===

* '''''Inc'''reased human presence disrupts wildlife'',
* ''Damages fragile ecosystems,''
* ''Risks introducing invasive species''.
* ''Ship traffic pollutes pristine waters, and tourism adds to the global carbon footprint''.
* ''Climate change exacerbates these issues by opening new areas for tourism'' while ''increasing ecosystem vulnerability''.
* ''The balance between scientific research, responsible tourism, and environmental protection is under intense pressure.''

== Antarctic Treaty ==

* Came into force in '''1961'''.
* Prioritises '''peaceful use and scientific research''' but it '''lacks specific tourism regulations'''.

[[File:AT-Treaty-Gyaankosh.png|center|frameless|630x630px|Antarctic Treaty]]
[[Category:IR]]
[[Category:World Affairs]]