Policy paper

UK-Chile letter of intent on antarctic co-operation 2023 to 2028

Published 7 December 2023

Letter of Intent on Antarctic Co-operation 2023-2028 between the Government of the Republic of Chile and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The Government of the Republic of Chile (Chile) and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (United Kingdom), hereinafter referred to as the “Signatories”,

Recalling that Chile and the United Kingdom are amongst the 12 original signatories of the Antarctic Treaty on 1 December, 1959;

Reaffirming their commitment to the objectives and principles of the Antarctic Treaty and its Protocol on Environmental Protection on 4 October, 1991;

Recognising that the Antarctic Treaty has effectively maintained Antarctica free of conflict for more than half a century;

Noting their shared interest in maintaining Antarctica as a natural reserve dedicated to Peace and Science;

Delivering through their respective delegations to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM), the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and their respective National Antarctic Programmes;

And emphasising, furthermore, the value of international collaboration in the field of scientific research, in particular in areas of global interest, such as the study of global environmental change;

Have decided to ensure closer co-operation in the following areas:

1. Bilateral dialogue in Antarctic Affairs

Conscious of the value of reinforcing the existing dialogue between both States in Antarctic affairs, representatives of the Antarctic Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile (DIRANTARTICA) and of the Polar Regions Department of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in the United Kingdom, together with representatives of the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) as appropriate, will meet once (1) a year or sooner if necessary to review issues of mutual interest. These meetings may take place on the margins of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM) or during the sessions of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).

2. Antarctic Treaty System

(a) Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings

Chile and the UK are committed to upholding the principles and values of the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), as well as assuring the protection of the Antarctic environment. So as to ensure a strong ATS, both States will seek to discuss and collaborate on issues related to the ATCM agenda, including through the presentation of joint initiatives.

(b) Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources

Good governance of the Southern Ocean is a priority for Chile and the United Kingdom, and both States will collaborate to strengthen and develop conservation measures with a view to ensuring the implementation of the objectives of the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.

3. Scientific co-operation

Considering that science is one of the core activities carried out by Chile and the UK on the Antarctic continent and that international collaboration in research activities is of special interest to both States, the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) will explore possibilities of increased collaboration through joint projects, exchanges of researchers, participation in Antarctic expeditions or other means. They may also engage in the margins of the meetings of the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR).

4. Other exchanges

As a means of promoting a greater understanding of each other State’s Antarctic heritage, Chile and the UK will promote cultural and academic exchanges related to Antarctica and Antarctic policy.

SIGNED in Santiago, Republic of Chile on 30 October 2023, in 2 copies in English and Spanish languages, all texts being equally valid.