• India's Ministry of Earth Sciences will host a key environmental summit, the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46), and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) in Kochi, Kerala, from May 20-30, 2024.

• Nations and stakeholders will address crucial issues in Antarctica, like sustainable management, governance, climate change, tourism regulations, and biodiversity conservation. 

• India's role as host reflects its growing commitment to safeguarding Antarctica for future generations.

• India maintains two permanent research stations on the continent, Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012), to conduct annual scientific expeditions.

• Over 350 delegates from more than 60 nations are anticipated to attend the meeting,  with Ambassador Pankaj Saran being nominated to chair the proceedings.

• The upcoming Antarctic Treaty meetings in India are critical for international efforts to protect Antarctica's environment and foster scientific research.

Click here to read more.