Belarus to discuss cooperation with Russia in Antarctica

The Cabinet approved the draft Belarus-Russia inter-governmental agreement on cooperation in Antarctica as a basis for holding negotiations. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vladimir Tsalko has been authorized to hold them on Belarus' behalf; Kazinform refers to BelTA.

Acting head of the Belarusian Polar Research Center Aleksei Gaidashov stated in his comments on the resolution that the draft agreement envisages a joint preparation and implementation of research programs in Antarctica. Scientific relations will be developed in several areas including atmospheric research over the glacial continent and the study of its icecap. Polar explorers of the two countries will continue the research into Antarctica biodiversity, environmental monitoring and elaboration of conservation measures.

The two countries are set to exchange scientists and experts in logistics in Antarctica, as well as services in transportation of personnel and cargo by sea and air. It is expected that Belarusian and Russian experts will jointly prepare the publications about the scientific research in Antarctica, expand cooperation within the framework of the Antarctic Treaty.

According to the decree, the National Center for Polar Research will be responsible for the development of joint plans and their coordination, organizations to be involved, implementation terms. On the Russian side this will be in the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute of the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environment.

Aleksei Gaidashov stressed that the Government's decision is of strategic importance for Belarus and will help work more closely with Russia in the Antarctic and enhance the country's image in the international arena.

As previously reported, this year Belarusian polar explorers are planning to travel to Antarctica as part of the Russian Antarctic Expedition. The Academic Council of the Institute of Arctic and Antarctic Regions of Russia and the Russian Antarctic Expedition confirmed their consent for participation of one to three Belarusian specialists in the 57th Russian Antarctic expedition. In the next five years Belarus will continue scientific and logistic activities in the southern polar region of the Earth by sending annual scientific expeditions. It is expected that in the future, Belarus will open its own polar station near the Russian Antarctic station "Gora Vechernyaya". The station will include a set of all necessary production-technological and service-residential structures of small modular type. The first laboratory-residential module of the Belarusian Antarctic station can be made in 2013-2014.