Key Takeaways
- Andrew Bayly, a National MP, has a personal affinity for Antarctica after visiting the continent in 2012 and climbing its tallest peak, Mount Vinson.
- The Antarctic Parliamentarians Assembly, hosted by Bayly, brought together politicians, diplomats, and officials from nearly 20 nations to discuss conservation and collaboration in Antarctica.
- The continent is facing pressure from tourism, fishing, and climate change, with concerns about sustainable tourism, krill fishing, and the impact of rising temperatures on the ecosystem.
- The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, designates the continent as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science, but its provisions are being tested by increasing human activity.
- The next Antarctic Parliamentarians Assembly is scheduled for 2027, with several nations already expressing interest in hosting the event.
Introduction to Antarctica
Andrew Bayly still remembers the "visual assault" of Antarctica, the piercing blue clarity and scale-bending brightness that left a lasting impression on him. In 2012, Bayly spent a month on the continent, climbing mountains, including the tallest peak, Mount Vinson, and another never-before-climbed peak. The experience has stayed with him, fuelling a personal affinity for the continent and a determination to protect it. Bayly’s experience is not unique, but it is a testament to the enduring power of Antarctica to inspire and awe those who visit it.
The Antarctic Parliamentarians Assembly
In December, Bayly hosted the third Antarctic Parliamentarians Assembly in Wellington, bringing together politicians, diplomats, and officials from nearly 20 nations. The two-day meeting provided a platform for scientists to share their research, for politicians to compare notes, and for attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Antarctica. With over 40 guests in attendance, the assembly was an opportunity for international cooperation and collaboration on issues related to the continent. Bayly’s goal was to create a network of informed advocates who could champion the cause of Antarctic conservation and sustainability in their home countries.
Challenges Facing Antarctica
Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, which designates the continent as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science. However, the treaty’s provisions are being tested by increasing human activity, including tourism, fishing, and climate change. Tourism has surged in recent years, with over 120,000 visitors travelling to Antarctica last season, six times the number seen two decades ago. While tourism can be a valuable tool for raising awareness about the continent and its importance, it also poses significant challenges for sustainability and conservation. Fishing is another concern, with the krill fishery reaching its annual catch limit for the first time this year, forcing its shutdown three months ahead of schedule. The impact of climate change is also unmistakable, with the area of ice-free "greening" on the Antarctic Peninsula jumping from 86 hectares to nearly 1200 over four decades.
Conservation and Collaboration
The Antarctic Parliamentarians Assembly focused on the big questions of conservation and collaboration, with discussions dominated by concerns about sustainable tourism, krill fishing, and climate change. Bayly emphasized the importance of collaboration and cooperation in addressing these challenges, noting that the continent’s unique ecosystem and biodiversity require a collective effort to protect. The assembly also highlighted the importance of research and science in informing decision-making about Antarctica’s future. With several nations already expressing interest in hosting the next assembly in 2027, the momentum for international cooperation and collaboration on Antarctic issues is building.
New Zealand’s Leadership Role
As the host of the Antarctic Parliamentarians Assembly, New Zealand played a leadership role in promoting international cooperation and collaboration on Antarctic issues. Bayly’s experience and expertise on the continent have made him a respected voice in Antarctic affairs, and his connection to the legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary has resonated with visitors familiar with the famous mountaineer’s exploits. New Zealand’s commitment to Antarctic conservation and sustainability is evident in its hosting of the assembly, and its willingness to take a leadership role in promoting international cooperation on these issues. As the next assembly approaches, New Zealand will continue to play a key role in shaping the future of Antarctic conservation and sustainability.
