The commitment to the future of Antarctica is a commitment to combat problems common to all mankind
01 June 2015 News
The commitment to the future of Antarctica is a commitment to combat problems common to all mankind because it is the Earth’s continent where climate change and global warming have the most visible negative impacts. We are proud that with its active participation Bulgaria contributes to solving these problems. With these words Minister Daniel Mitov welcomed the participants at the XXXVIII Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, which was officially opened today. Our country hosts the ATCM and XVIII Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection for the first time. The international forum will be held from June 1 to June 10 under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rosen Plevneliev.
“Bulgaria makes significant and continuous efforts to bridge the gap in the knowledge of Antarctic characteristics, its sensitivity and impacts on climate change. The participation of our scientists in a wide range of international research projects contributes significantly to strengthen the international focus on the climate change problems,” added Minister Mitov.
The Foreign Minister pointed out that Bulgaria is committed to cooperate closely with all other Parties in supporting the objectives of the Antarctic Treaty and the formation of the environmental protection policy.“We are convinced that the forthcoming meeting will provide an opportunity for all of us to enhance our cooperation in areas such as environmental protection, biodiversity, tourism management and research activities,” he added.
Minister Mitov emphasized that 2015 is a historic moment for the international efforts to combat climate change. “Climate change is the ultimate challenge of our generation and our legacy to future generation,” he said. The new climate agreement to be adopted later this year in Paris will be implemented in a context in which we are all aware that the challenges associated with global warming are among the most serious universal problems.
Daniel Mitov underscored that all ATCM participants will reaffirm their commitment to the fundamental principles of the Antarctic Treaty and the preservation of the continent for future generations.“Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord. The remarkable success and the uniqueness of the Treaty as a zone of peaceful cooperation and scientific collaboration and the scientific importance of Antarctica cannot be overstated,” Minister Mitov said.
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