The longest running program of Brazilian science completes 41 yearsThe longest running program of Brazilian science completes 41 years

Coordinated by the Brazilian Navy, PROANTAR also has the most modern station on the Antarctic Peninsula

By Captain-Lieutenant (RM2-T) Luciano Franklin de Carvalho – Brasília, DF

National science has much to celebrate this Thursday (12), for the 41st anniversary of the Brazilian Antarctic Program (PROANTAR). It is the longest-lasting and most continuous project in the scientific area, which results in fundamental work for the understanding of natural phenomena that affect the national territory and influence, for example, the climate, agriculture, cattle-raising and fishing activities.

PRONTAR is a state program, with decentralized and multi-institutional execution, which aims to guarantee Brazil’s presence in the White Continent. It is in charge of the Interministerial Commission for the Resources of the Sea (CIRM), integrated by 16 members, being 15 Ministries and the Brazilian Navy. 

The Commander of the Navy and Coordinator of CIRM, Admiral of Fleet Marcos Sampaio Olsen, recognizes the joint effort to maintain research on the frozen continent. “I register an effusive recognition to the tireless work in favor of the commitments assumed by Brazil in Antarctica, to the institutions and ministries that integrate the Interministerial Commission for Marine Resources and PROANTAR, to the universities and institutes, their devoted researchers, to the diplomats, to the companies TIM/Oi and Petrobras, which invest in the program; and to the crews of the ships and aircraft and the base group of the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station.

Currently, there are 23 national scientific research projects being developed in Antarctica. For the University of Brasilia professor Paulo Câmara, who is Bryoantar’s coordinator, the Navy’s participation in the development of research in Antarctica is essential. “Without the Navy there is no Antarctic Program, because it offers all the logistical support for us to be there, it maintains all the fuel, ship, aircraft, tents for camping, food, and the research station itself. I usually say that there is no point in Brazil going to Antarctica without doing research, and there is no point in us wanting to do research without the Navy’s logistical support.

The Secretary of CIRM, Rear-Admiral Marco Antônio Linhares Soares, highlighted the importance of the Brazilian presence in that continent. “Scientifically understanding Antarctica and its surrounding waters is essential for Brazil’s prosperity. The CIRM, with great dedication and comprehensiveness, proudly conducts PROANTAR, ensuring the uninterrupted presence of our country on the target continent and the waters that surround it.”

*** Translated by the DEFCONPress FYI Team ***

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