SA breaks ice on climate

South Africa’s Antarctic and Southern Ocean Strategy (ASOS), a landmark move to implement the Antarctic Treaties Act, has been approved by Cabinet.

The treaty has set aside close to 10% of the Earth “forever”, to be used for peaceful purposes, “and in the interests of all humanity”.

South Africa, being part of the treaty, supports Africa’s agenda of garnering research, conservation, sustainable resource use and environmental management.

ASOS was approved on Wednesday, one day after Antarctica Day. This also marked the 61st anniversary of the signing of the treaty.

The strategy outlines national interest, with the vision that “Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are understood, valued and protected in the interest of South Africa, Africa and the world”.

The Southern Ocean is the world’s most biologically productive ocean, juxtaposed with the coldest, driest and windiest content on Earth, the Antarctic.

Oceans are important carbon sinks, which store heat and carbon dioxide, and plays an irreplaceable role in climate change.

Partners in the South Africa’s Antarctic Programme include the department of science and innovation, the department of international relations and coordination, the department of public works and infrastructure, the department of transport and the department of environment, forestry and fisheries.

SA maintains two stations in the region, one in Antarctica, and on the Marion and Gough Islands.