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Belgium and Antarctica Exploration, Science and Environment Belgium and Antarctica Exploration, Science and Environment Preface Princess Elisabeth Station: Belgian scientific policy at the heart of Antarctic research The link between Belgium and the Antarctic has always been strong since the first overwintering of the scientific expedition led by Adrien de Gerlache from 1897 to 1899, passing through the construction of the King Baudouin Base in 1958 and Bel- gium’s participation in the Antarctic Treaty negotiations in 1959. This link reflects the close cooperation that exists between the challenges of exploration and scientific research on this continent of extremes. The construction of the new Belgian polar research station, Princess Elisabeth, the fruit of the indefatigable will and energy of Alain Hubert, a man who takes up any challenge, together with the enthusiastic engagement of the Federal science policy and the indispensable financial support of private partners willing to contribute to this scientific tool, is a modern example of how coordinated action can ensure the success of advanced research. An external evaluation of the Federal science policy’s “Antarctic” programme, carried out in 2002, praised the internation- ally recognised quality of Belgian research in this field. Beyond increasing the nation’s involvement in the Antarctic Treaty system, the report also recommended ensuring the continuity of Belgian Antarctic research and securing the future financing of logistical means. It is with the very real conviction of the relevance of Belgian scientific activity in the Antarctic region, that I have made it my expressed intention, for 2008 and 2009, to significantly increase the engagement of the Federal State in the financing of this research base. Belgium has always been, and should remain, an indispensable actor on this continent whose importance for the future of humanity cannot be overestimated. To add further impetus to the engagement of our scientific institutions, universities and research centres in the scientific work at the Princess Elisabeth station, I have recently given my support to its reinforcement through the introduction of new climate research programmes. As day breaks on the inauguration of this exceptional scientific tool, I take great pleasure in thanking the International Polar Foundation, Alain Hubert, all the sponsors and everyone who has believed in this project and worked towards the fruition of this extraordinary human and scientific adventure that is now rendered visible and real in the Princess Elisabeth Antarctic research station. The Minister of Federal Science Policy/Scientific research Belgium and Antarctica: Exploration, Science and Environment 1 Antarctica: A region under strict protection This splendid anthology of Antarctica is a response to two needs as it was necessary, firstly to refresh an “Antarctic memory” which was vanishing and, secondly, to highlight a series of successful Belgian initiatives. With regard to environmental policy in this region, our department has implemented concrete actions since 2003, both under the Antarctic Treaty and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). Belgium is now undertaking again a proactive environmental policy, such as advancing a future network of marine protected areas or working on a regulatory framework for bioprospecting. Antarctica has become a research laboratory for sustainable development, representing an inexhaustible source of inspiration for present and, hopefully, future generations. Our department will continue to co-operate with the Federal science policy, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Inter- national Polar Foundation and the other non-governmental organisations, with a view to addressing Antarctic issues in an integrated and consistent way, to ensure the highest level of protection for Antarctica. Roland MOREAU Director-General Directorate-General for Environment Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment Belgium and Antarctica: Exploration, Science and Environment 3 4 Content Chronology 6 Science and peace : the legal destiny of Antarctica 8 Captivated by the Pole: the Belgians in Antarctica 18 A century of research at the South Pole 24 The Federal science policy: cornerstone of Belgian 34 Antarctic policy Europe retraces the history of climate on Earth through EPICA 36 2007-2008, an austral summer with a focus on research 40 Belgium builds the most environment-friendly polar base ever 50 Four new scientific research stations on the white continent 56 Observers at the end of the Earth 66 CryoSat-2, the space spy who loved the cold 70 Antarctica in our dreams 75 Antarctica on the web 78 Of tooth and gum... 82 © Anne Goffart 5 1780 1800 1820 1773 1820 James Cook (United Kingdom) crossed Fabian von Bellingshausen, captain the Antarctic circle of the Russian royal navy, glimpsed Antarctica for the first time. He discovered Alexander Island and called it Alexander I Land. 1928 The continent was flown Chronology over for the first time. 1900 1920 1940 1897 1911 1946-47 Adrien de Gerlache left The Norwegian Roald Amundsen ‘Operation Highjump’ from Antwerp on board the reached the South Pole, followed the United States under the Belgica, which was stuck by Robert Scott (United Kingdom), command of Admiral E. Byrd: in the ice for 375 days. a month later. 13 boats, 23 planes and 4700 staff members. The biggest expedition ever, flying over and photographing a major part of Antarctica, confirming the presence of the United States in Antarctica. 6 Belgium and Antarctica: Exploration, Science and Environment Chronology 1840 1860 1880 1840 While searching for the magnetic pole, James Clark Ross (United Kingdom), Sébastien Dumont d’Urville (France) and Charles Wilkes (United States) discovered the first contours of the Antarctic continent: 1963–1965 1967-68 First Belgian-Dutch expedition and First summer expedition in the construction of the new King collaboration with South Africa 2008 Baudouin base 1968-1969 Law creating the Second summer expedition in 1964–1966 service d’Etat à collaboration with South Africa Second Belgian-Dutch gestion séparée expedition 1969-1970 (governmental body Third summer expedition in with autonomous collaboration with South Africa management), named the Polar Secretariat 2009 1965–1967 Inauguration of the Third Belgian-Dutch new research station expedition Princess Elisabeth 1967 Closure of the King Baudouin base 1960 1980 2000 1957 1991 2004 International Geophysical Year and Gaston de Gerlache’s Signature of the Madrid The Belgian government first expedition with a view to constructing the King Protocol relating decides to construct a new Baudouin base. to the protection of summer research station. The the environment in International Polar Foundation 1958-1959 Antarctica (entered into (IPF) coordinates the First Belgian Antarctic expedition force in 1998) construction and organises the following expeditions: 1959 - BELARE 2004-2005: selection Signature of the Antarctic Treaty in Washington of the construction site (entered into force in 1961). Belgium was one of the - BELARE 2005-2006: twelve first signatories of the Treaty. inventory of possible unloading sites 1959–1960 - BELARE 2006-2007: Second Belgian Antarctic expedition preparation of the construction site; first unloading & traverses - BELARE 2007-2008: first part 1985 of the construction of the First Antarctic research polar research station programmes financed by - BELARE 2008-2009: second the Federal science policy. part of the construction and These programmes are first research projects 1960–1961 still ongoing. Third Belgian Antarctic expedition Belgium and Antarctica: Exploration, Science and Environment 7 ANTARCTICA AND THE SOUTHERN OCEAN Territorial Claims So South Georgia (GBR)/ Islas Georgias del Sur (ARG) 60°W South Orkney Is Falkland Is (GBR)/ Islas Malvinas (ARG) South Shetland ! A Ushuaia Is N ! Punta Arenas TA WED RC TI C P EN IN S U Alex L a Science and peace: nder I BELLINGSHAUSEN SEA the legal destiny of 90°W Peter I Øy AMUNDSEN Antarctica SEA Bathymetry Jean-François Mayence and Alexandre de Lichtervelde S Metres O 500 U 1000 T 1500 2000 2500 3000 4000 5000 010002000500 Polar Stereographic Projection, True scale at 71° S Produced by the Australian Antarctic Data Centre. Published February 2007. Map Catalogue No: 13328. For information about data sources used in this map refe http://aadc-maps.aad.gov.au/aadc/mapcat/display_map. History 1957, the International Geophysical Year, was definitely from the South Pole. Thus, Australia, France, the United the year for global awareness: land, sea, air and the Kingdom and Norway laid claim to their sovereignty cosmos were on everyone’s mind and it was within this and certain territorial rights on the grounds of their favourable context that the ice and rock of Antarctica discovery and occupation (sporadic) of certain areas in became the object of particular attention, especially Antarctica. As for the adjoining states (such as Chile for lawyers. and Argentina), the principle of proximity they referred to justified similar rights, in their opinion. Right in the middle of the Cold War, it didn’t take much for a reserve of natural riches like Antarctica 2° Other states, such as the United States or the Soviet to become the object of genuine conflicts between Union, opposed these claims. This attitude, which nations. Numerous claims had already been made may seem paradoxical at first sight given the on the continent, some from the closest countries background of the Cold War, can easily be explained
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