President of the Republic signs decree that institutes POLANTAR
First Lieutenant (RM2-T) Luciana Santos de Almeida – Agência Marinha de Notícias
On Wednesday (15), the President of the Republic, Jair Messias Bolsonaro, signed Decree No. 11,096 of June 15, 2022, updating the National Policy for Antarctic Affairs (POLANTAR), whose original text was approved by decree in 1987.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defense, Paulo Sérgio Nogueira de Oliveira; the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Paulo Alvim; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos França; the Minister of the Environment, Joaquim Leite; the Commander of the Navy, Admiral of Fleet Almir Garnier Santos; and the Secretary of the Interministerial Commission for Sea Resources, Rear Admiral Marco Antônio Linhares Soares. Among POLANTAR’s updates are those related to governance, as explained by the Secretary of the Interministerial Commission for the Resources of the Sea.
“With the extinction of the National Commission for Antarctic Affairs in 2019, national Antarctic issues have passed to the responsibility of the Interministerial Commission for Sea Resources,” said Admiral Linhares.
The Antarctic Treaty has undergone updates due to measures and resolutions approved by countries, among them Brazil, which actively participate in decisions about the future of that continent. “In addition, the Madrid Protocol came into force, which establishes the guidelines and environmental care in the Treaty region, and the inclusion of Antarctica in the Brazilian strategic environment,” he added.
The fundamental principles of POLANTAR include the use of Antarctica only for peaceful purposes, freedom of scientific research and cooperation among the countries active in Antarctica; the prohibition of the disposal of waste or radioactive waste in the area; and the protection of the environment and dependent and associated ecosystems.
Launch of medal and stamp
In the event, the Brazilian Mint (CMB) and the Post Office launched a medal and stamp commemorating the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Brazilian Antarctic Program (PROANTAR), with the presence of the President of the CMB, Hugo Cavalcante Nogueira, and the Director of Administration of the Post Office, Danilo Cezar Aguiar de Souza.
*** Translated by DEFCONPress Team ***