On August 18, 2021, at 10 a.m. the NAS of Belarus celebrations dedicated to 15th anniversary of the participation of the Republic of Belarus in the study of Antarctica *.
A delegation of Roshydromet and the Russian Antarctic Expedition of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Institute of the Arctic and Antarctic” (St. Petersburg) took part in the events. The program includes an International Scientific Conference, an exhibition “Belarus in Antarctica: 15 years of regular scientific and expeditionary research”, and extended meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Antarctic Issues. Participants of the Belarusian Antarctic expeditions of different years have gathered at the Academy of Sciences; employees of organizations of the Departments of Biological sciences, Physics, Mathematics and Informatics, Chemistry and Earth sciences of the NAS of Belarus, participating in the Antarctic theme; representatives of ministries and departments of the country, members of the Interdepartmental Commission of the Republic of Belarus on Antarctic Issues, young scientists.
As the Chairman of the Presidium of the NAS of Belarus Vladimir Gusakov emphasized, speaking during the celebrations, Belarus has all the opportunities for further development of polar research. “Belarus has financial, scientific and technical capabilities, human potential for the further development of Antarctic and Arctic research. Recognizing the need to preserve Antarctica and its unique natural ecosystems for future generations, Belarus confirms its commitment to the goals and principles for the Antarctic Treaty. We are open to establishing scientific and business cooperation relations with all international and national institutions and organizations for which both Antarctica itself and our activities in Antarctica are of scientific and practical interests,” Vladimir Gusakov said. Much has already been done, but undoubtedly there is still more to be done. “First of all, to improve the equipment of the stationary Antarctic station and seasonal expeditions with scientific instruments and equipment. We need to create a wider talent pool of scientists and polar specialists, since the expansion of the expeditions will require the formation of a large team of researchers and specialists, where the combination of experience and youth will allow us to solve the tasks set for the expedition,” the Chairman is sure.
Participants of polar research in Antarctica in different years were awarded with Honorary Diplomas.
At the exhibition “Belarus in the Antaratic: 15 years of regular scientific and expeditionary research” could see unique historical photographs about the participation of Belarus polar explorers in the Soviet Antarctic Expeditions (SAE), Belarusian Antarctic Expeditions (BAE), photographs and model of the Belarusian Antarctic Station “Mount Vechernyaya”. The thematic exposition was presented with exhibits and illustrative materials on the areas of scientific research carried out in Antarctica by Belarusian scientists. This is a collection of representatives of flora and fauna, minerals and rocks, scientific equipment and instruments that are used in research in Antarctica. Those interested could get advice on the rise areas of activity and scientific research in Antarctica. A slideshow was organized with the best photographs of the BAE stuff about Antarctica.
At the International Scientific Conference dedicate to the 15th anniversary of the participation of the Republic of Belarus in the study of Antarctica, the history on the formation and development of scientific research in Antarctica was considered; the main results and promising directions of scientific research in Antarctica, as well as the results and prospects of the activities of the Belarusian Antarctic expeditions. A documentary film dedicated to the history of the exploration of the Ice Continent was shown.
* In August 2006, resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus № 1104 approved the first State Target Program “Monitoring of the Earth’s polar regions and ensuring the activities of Arctic and Antarctic expeditions for 2007-2010 and for the period up to 2015”.
Press Service of the NAS of Belarus
