Top Hotel Became Venue of XLII Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and XXII Committee for Environmental Protection Meeting

From 1 to 11 July 2019, the Czech Republic hosted the XLII Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and the XXII Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP). Both meetings, attended by almost 400 participants representing 54 signatory states of the Antarctic Treaty including international observers and experts, took place at the Top Hotel Prague.

The central topics of ATCM discussions were the international collaboration in scientific and operational matters, exchange of information, hydrography in Antarctic waters, air traffic safety in Antarctica, science plans and impacts of climate change.

The ATCM discussions focused also on Antarctic tourism and non-governmental activities. Enhanced cooperation among competent national authorities and the importance of knowledge and assessment of impacts of tourism and non-governmental activities in Antarctica was stressed. Extreme and novel activities in Antarctica remain a concern of the Parties.

Antarctic tourism was also dealt with by the CEP, as well as the conservation of fauna and flora, climate change implications for the environment and environmental impact assessment. Mitigating microplastic pollution in Antarctica was a particular point of attention.

Parties expressed their gratitude to the Czech government and their appreciation for the excellent facilities provided for the Meeting.