December 1st "Antarctica Day" was celebrated with the exhibition titled "Chile and Turkey Exploring Antarctica Together" organized in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Chile in Ankara and TÜBİTAK. The opening of the exhibition was attended by Chilean Ambassador Rodrigo Arcos Castro, TUBITAK President Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal and TÜBİTAK MAM President and TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute Director Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy.

"Understanding our past and future depends on polar sciences"

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, President of TÜBİTAK, said: "I would like to emphasize that understanding the past and future of our world depends to a great extent on polar sciences and cooperation in this field. Polar Regions have played a key role in maintaining environmental balances for centuries. Now these same regions are being affected by emissions at the fastest rate. This year, Antarctica Day has a special meaning as it coincides with the first days of the 2023 Climate Change Conference COP28."

"Already this year, every month since June 2023 has been the hottest in human history. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts that 2023 will be the hottest year on record." Mandal reminded that "Only by working together, including cooperation in polar science and research, can we produce more effective solutions."

Prof. Dr. Mandal said, "The National Polar Science Program in Turkey is carried out under the auspices of the Presidency and the responsibility of the Ministry of Industry and Technology. The multidisciplinary program covers earth sciences, physical sciences, life sciences, social and human sciences. Through this program, we are conducting national science expeditions, research projects, international cooperation, exchange of scientists between science bases, and are on track to launch the Turkish Antarctic Research Station on Horseshoe Island. We are very honored by our strong collaboration with Chile and Chilean researchers, which we celebrate today."

"This year, we organized the 7th National Antarctic Science Expedition on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey. 22 scientists and 18 projects took part in this expedition." Sharing his information, Mandal said, "The vision of our new 12th Development Plan of the Republic of Turkey covering the years 2024-2028 also focuses on environmentally friendly sustainable development. In this plan, it is emphasized that scientific activities in the field of polar sciences will be supported as well as National Polar Science Expeditions."

"The exhibition will then be opened to the whole society at TÜBİTAK Science Centers"

Prof. Dr. Mandal said, "This exhibition will then be opened to the whole society at TÜBİTAK Science Centers. We hope that our cooperation will spread to the Chilean National Research and Development Agency and other countries."

"We see that strong R&D and innovation ecosystems that embrace collaboration based on co-creation by working and succeeding together are able to overcome challenges. I wish success to all guests for more cooperation for our common future."

The importance of the exhibition "Chile and Turkey explore Antarctica together"

Through this exhibition, the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chilean Antarctic Institute, the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, the Embassy of Chile in Turkey and the TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute, in collaboration with the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the importance of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding on Antarctic Cooperation between Chile and Turkey, which emphasizes and promotes the interest of both countries to work jointly on the White Continent.

Through their Antarctic expeditions and programs, Chile and Turkey have developed a close friendship and cooperation in many projects, including the establishment of the first Turkish Antarctic Research Station (TARS) on Horseshoe Island.

Also on the occasion of this exhibition, reference was made to the Chilean Antarctic Day, celebrated on November 6.

What is Antarctica Day?

Over which no country has territorial sovereignty Antarctica 12 countries (the United States, the Soviet Union, Japan, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, France, France, the United Kingdom, Chile, New Zealand, Norway and South Africa) signed the Antarctic Treaty in Washington, USA on December 1, 1959 and entered into force in 1961. The Antarctic Treaty, to which 56 countries are parties to date, aims to ensure that the continent is used for peaceful purposes for the benefit of all humanity in perpetuity. This treaty prohibits activities other than the promotion of science, while scientific studies and the sharing of the data obtained as a result are supported.

It is not possible to take the continent's natural resources out of the continent except for scientific purposes. The Treaty is constantly monitored through the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and countries are represented by high-level representatives and strong delegations. New decisions concerning the continent are also taken at these meetings. As a matter of fact, with a decision taken at the 50th anniversary meeting held in 2009, Antarctica Day has been celebrated regularly since 2010, based on the idea of celebrating December 1 as "Antarctica Day".

Turkey joined the Antarctic Treaty as a signatory in 1995. This paved the way for many activities, including our country to carry out studies on the White Continent at the national level and to take part in the decision-making authorities on the continent.

Antarctica Day is regularly celebrated in our country every year with various activities organized by TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute.

This year, the 7th National Polar Sciences Symposium and the 3rd Polar Festival, which are traditionally held every year, will be held at Yıldız Technical University in Istanbul on December 4-5.