Collins Bay: New protected area in Antarctica

At their meeting in Japan in May, the signatory states to the Antarctic Treaty unanimously supported the Ukrainian initiative to establish a new protected area in Antarctica. The ‘Collins Bay’ area is situated on the Antarctic Peninsula near the Ukrainian research station ‘Akademik Vernadsky’ and is intended to help preserve the unique natural environment of this region in the long term.

The decision is the result of seven years of scientific work and international cooperation. It comes against a backdrop of increasing pressure on Antarctica’s sensitive ecosystems. More than 100,000 tourists now visit the region each year, with most trips concentrated on the Antarctic Peninsula. As tourism and shipping increase, so too do the risks to the region’s flora and fauna.

The new protected area covers 1.65 square kilometres and is one of the few contiguous protected areas in Antarctica. It brings together several islands and coastal sections, thereby protecting a variety of habitats. Of particular value are the Antarctic flowering plants found there, rare mosses and lichens, and important breeding sites for Adélie penguins. Collins Bay is also home to nests of snow petrels, which are known to occur only here in the region.

As well as nature conservation, the area also plays an important role in research. Scientists use it as a reference site to monitor the effects of climate change on flora and fauna over long periods of time. The findings help to improve our understanding of the changes taking place in Antarctic ecosystems.

By establishing Collins Bay as a protected area, Ukraine is making an important contribution to the conservation of one of the Earth’s most sensitive natural environments, whilst at the same time strengthening international cooperation in Antarctic research.

Rosamaria Kubny, PolarJournal