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Notes from the President, number 5 (24 November 2008)
International Cooperation in Support of Antarctic Science
Colleagues,
In Note #5 from the President, I update you and solicit input and advice on two documents that will be the basis for discussion at the COMNAP meeting in Punta Arenas in August 2009. These documents have been developed in response to recommendations of the Delegates at XXX SCAR in Moscow. It would be greatly appreciated if your response was received by December 20, 2008.
By way of background, the SCAR and COMNAP Executive Committees met on 5 July 2008 in St.Petersburg. At that meeting it was agreed that: "more than ever we need to find ways to increase international collaboration, both in the science itself and in its support. For this we needed to share more information within SCAR and COMNAP, and between SCAR and COMNAP........Information on science trends and priorities are critical."
It was also agreed that: "Efficient logistics management demanded a far-sighted view of the ways in which polar science is evolving, which could be provided to COMNAP for example by means of an annual SCAR presentation on this subject at the start of each COMNAP meeting. A view of long-term trends was needed to enable operators to fit their means to achieving scientific objectives. Such a presentation could stimulate discussions between COMNAP members about the best way forward to meet new scientific challenges. The presentation could include an overview of trends and priorities, focus on two or three big projects, and give a feel for what could be achieved and what support would be needed. It could be followed by a topical session where COMNAP members discuss how they could together explore ways to best support these priority projects collaboratively."
On this basis, Delegates at XXX SCAR approved: "SCAR is to provide COMNAP with a strategic view of where Antarctic science is going in the future through a paper for the next COMNAP meeting in August 2009."
In consultation with EXCOM, Chief Officers and the Secretariat, I have drafted a paper on Antarctic Science in the 21st Century. This paper will be the basis of a presentation to the next COMNAP meeting. The document is designed for internal use within SCAR and COMNAP. The document does not single out national programs or projects but discusses general trends in Antarctic science. It is a broad overview based on an analysis of the IPY project database and is to stimulate a dialogue between SCAR and COMNAP.
In parallel, a workshop on coordination of King George Island science took place in St Petersburg on July 6, 2008. The workshop was attended by the new President of COMNAP, Jose Retamales. Based on this meeting, SCAR and COMNAP agreed to develop a paper on major scientific themes that could be addressed by a better coordinated approach to KGI science. This topic was to be addressed at the next COMNAP meeting as well.
In response to these recommendations and in consultation with the Secretariat I have drafted a second paper, King George Island and SCAR Science, on how KGI science might contribute to SCAR's science programs. As with the previous paper, this paper is for internal use within SCAR and COMNAP. The paper is intended to serve as the scientific framework for discussions by the Action Group on King George Island Science as they develop recommendations about how cooperation and partnerships might be enhanced at KGI in support of SCAR science (view the Terms of Reference).
The development of closer cooperation between SCAR and COMNAP is highly desirable and increasing the subatance of discussions between the two organisations is most welcome.
Your comments on these papers is not only welcomed but encouraged. I want to ensure that, in the forthcoming meeting with COMNAP, I have your full support and that the documents meet with your approval. I also ask that you share these developments with your national committees (their comments will also be solicited by a separate email from the SCAR Secretariat). I look forward to your response.
Chuck K.
President of SCAR
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