The Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IBB PAS) and Orlen are launching a project to designate a new Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA). This is a unique undertaking in the history of Polish research on the southern continent, combining scientific, educational and environmental activities.
On Tuesday, Orlen announced the launch of the five-year initiative “Antarctica under Orlen’s Wings”, a joint research and educational project with the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IBB PAS). The aim is to designate a new Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA), expanding the currently protected zones, which account for only 0.02% of Antarctica’s surface.
According to Orlen, this program is expected to lead to the designation of another reserve, which will increase the area of protected areas and strengthen Poland’s international position in its existing Antarctic research activities. “Antarctica is crucial for global climate balance, and we want to support the research that helps protect it,” said Lidia Kołucka, Orlen’s Executive Director for Sponsorship.
As a first step, funding will be provided for the purchase of modern equipment – including a specialized Sea Rescue and Assistance boat and snow mobiles which are necessary for securing and conducting field work in hard-to-reach locations of King George Island and achieving the project’s goals.
Professor Jarosław Poznański, Director of IBB PAS, emphasized that the collaboration opens up new research opportunities for Polish scientists and will also increase the occupational safety of scientists from around the world conducting their research and monitoring within the range of the H. Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station, managed by IBB PAN since 2012.
In parallel, the project will carry out an inventory of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). Observation of bird populations is crucial as the obtained results are an important element of the early warning system against the effects of climate change.
The initiative also includes a strong educational component in Poland, including the production of a film, project documentation, the organization of scientific events, and special school classes.
Antarctica encompasses the continent and the waters of the Southern Ocean that surround it. The international Antarctic Treaty, which applies to the region, states that Antarctica is an area dedicated to scientific and peaceful purposes. The document prohibits the exploitation of natural resources and military activities. Research conducted there is of great importance for understanding climate processes and the functioning of the entire planet. Poland, as one of the signatories of the Antarctic Treaty, is one of 29 countries managing the area.
IBB PAS is one of Poland’s leading scientific institutions, conducting basic research in of science, life sciences, medicine and health sciences, especially in the areas of biochemistry and biophysics. The Institute also conducts multidisciplinary research in the polar regions. The ORLEN Foundation carries out projects in the fields of education, environmental protection and social support, engaging in activities that contribute to sustainable development and social responsibility.
Photo by Cassie Matias on Unsplash
Source:
Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences
