BGR attending the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM)
Type: News, Date: 02.06.2026, Topic: General information , Topic: International cooperation , Topic: Polar research
The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) participated as part of the German delegation led by the Federal Foreign Office in the 48. Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 48) in Hiroshima. By choosing Hiroshima, Japan selected a historically significant venue that, more than most places, stands for the importance of international cooperation and peaceful understanding.
The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) participated as part of the German delegation led by the Federal Foreign Office in the 48. Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 48) in Hiroshima. By choosing Hiroshima, Japan selected a historically significant venue that, more than most places, stands for the importance of international cooperation and peaceful understanding.
Delegations from 58 countries discussed future measures for the protection of Antarctica at the conference. Together with representatives from government agencies, scientific institutions, and non-governmental organizations, further steps for Antarctic research within the framework of international projects were also considered. Here, BGR supports international Antarctic research through its scientific work. For example, since 1979 the BGR has been conducting geological research in Antarctica as part of its German Antarctic North Victoria Land Expedition (GANOVEX) program. To date, 16 expeditions have been carried out, supported by German and international partner institutions.
As a non-sovereign territory, Antarctica is governed by a special international treaty system - the Antarctic Treaty. Of the 58 signatory states, only 29 countries, including Germany, hold consultative status and therefore voting rights at the annual meetings. As part of the German delegation, the BGR provides scientific expertise to support the Federal Government’s coordinated positions and the representation of German interests within the Antarctic Treaty System.