Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Conservation: Part 2
Challenges in policy response
KITTY CHENG
Antarctica is the only area that has been agreed globally to be ‘devoted to peace and science’, where information exchange will be dedicated to monitoring climate change impacts. Managed by the Antarctic Treaty, Antarctic Marine Protected Area (MPA) covers 10% of earth’s surface and the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) aims to protect all the marine life by managing the whole ecosystem. This can be very tricky to do, and there are challenges in policy response, as Kitty Cheng explains in her second article in this Antarctic series.
The issues of CCAMLR
On a regional level, CCAMLR was an effective convention on marine resources management by adopting an ecosystem approach with conservation objectives, yet it has been criticised. As the precautionary approach on fishery management was a time-consuming process where decision is being made according to the ‘best scientific evidence’, it can cause delays. Moreover, as only members of CCAMLR can fish in Antarctica, the exclusivity of the CCAMLR can be questioned, as it consists of only 36 countries, the majority of members being developed nations.
Antarctica from above Photo: Pixabay.
In terms of regional pollution, all research station are obligated to monitor and report both inputs and outputs of all activities. While some of the major stations had implemented sewage-treatment procedures to improve water quality, no standard practice has been set and 37% of permanent stations do not have any treatment facilities. Also, public information on sewage pollution and efficiency of treatment facility from stations is limited. It is suggested that any future scientific activities should be supported by a comprehensive environmental impact assessment to minimise pollution. As a collaboratively managed MPA, a standardised practice in terms of technology use, and risk assessments, are needed.
Rothera Research Station, Western Antarctic peninsula, one of the stations cited to have faulty laundry facilities causing a spill of microplastics into their surroundings. Photo: Pixabay.
Climate Change Communication and Policies
Although the Antarctic Treaty has been cited as a trendsetter for environmental protection, it poses the widespread image of Antarctica being an untouched, pristine environment shared by the world, while in conservation practice this is not the case. Moreover, more individuals must come to the realization that Antarctica is no longer a unique closed loop system, but a thriving ecosystem that is exposed to external threats, which many people are unaware of until it (will be) too late. Indeed, current generations will have to bear the costs of biodiversity loss, and how it will impact the long-term global environment.
The importance of climate change communication became a growing topic between scientists, the public and policy makers. However, this can be hard when we all perceive the ‘normal’ level of biodiversity to be lower than what it should be, due to continuous extinctions. This is called the shifting baselines syndrome. Living in the Anthropocene, the estrangement of people from nature is the main reason why we cannot recover from the biodiversity loss. With continuous population growth, and the increase of industrialisation (where a large proportion of people remain living in urban environments); the concept of nature has been isolated from our daily life experiences. Also, the impacts of climate change has always been communicated through historical changes rather than a political dimension. Yet, those that influence policy decisions remain the most isolated from significant climate change impacts. Indeed, less than a handful of politicians actually have the opportunity to witness untouched beauty with their own eyes.
Untouched beauty. Photo: Pixabay.
While there are clear evidence that anthropogenic processes had accelerated the speed of climate change, finding a global solution via international negotiation is one of the biggest obstacles in ocean governance. Policy makers should ensure that policies are implemented for the right incentives, where common goal can be identified in the long-term. Apart from the complexity in creating climate change policies, the importance of each individual sector needs to be recognised. In order to make biodiversity conservation a global priority, we have to overcome cultural and economic obstacles by communicating the value of biodiversity to the public.
Stay tuned for Part 3 - COMING SOON
Antarctic ice. Photo: Pixabay.
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