Monday, November 30, 2009

Antarctic Treaty Summit - 2009!

I would be remiss not to discuss this year's annual Antarctic Treaty Summit in Washington DC. This is an especially important year for the treaty as it is its 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the twelve original signatories will convene at the Smithsonian Institute from 30 November through 3 December to discuss lessons learned about international governance under an Antarctic backdrop. I should also mention that ASOC's executive director, James Barnes will be speaking in the wrap-up panel on 2 December.

One of the goals of the treaty is to establish broad public awareness around the world about the visionary goals, strategies and achievements that have emerged from the Antarctic Treaty in the interest of all mankind. It will be interesting to see exactly what has resulted from fifty years of research and campaigning. What has evolved? What has stayed the same? What does the future hold for the 'last great wilderness'?

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