Belgium’s Antarctic adventure continues

The International Polar Foundation today welcomed the new impetus given to Belgium’s Polar Secretariat by science policy minister Paul Magnette [1] for research at Princess Elisabeth Station in Antarctica.

During the coming 2012-2013 season, which is scheduled to feature strong scientific activity in the areas served by Princess Elisabeth Station, the International Polar Foundation will continue to fulfill its mission of Antarctic operator. As in the past, the foundation will also meet all its responsibilities in respect of bilateral agreements, and the protocol signed with the federal government.

Belgian government budget commitments allocated for future Antarctic campaigns are expected to end the need for pre-financing by the International Polar Foundation by 2013. The Foundation also hopes to see all arrears owed to it settled soon, including interest, as it has been advancing funds in order to ensure successful seasons at the station.

The International Polar Foundation will continue its open and transparent public-private partnership with the Belgian government, and to seek additional resources for the development of the Princess Elisabeth station according to the five-year strategic plan developed by the Belgian Polar Secretariat.

"This shared commitment to sustain the extraordinary adventure of the world’s first Zero Emission polar station, Princess Elisabeth Antarctica, serves to strengthen the alliance made five years ago between the Belgian State and the International Polar Foundation," said Thierry Touchais, Executive Director

The International Polar Foundation supports polar scientific research for the advancement of knowledge, the promotion of informed action on climate change, and the development of a sustainable society.