Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Antarctica: an introduction to a remote continent (book-Spanish language)  (Book about Antarctica (in Spanish))

Outline
This book is an overview of the main aspects of the white continent. It covers a wide variety of issues, including descriptions of the Antarctic physical and biological environments, the human presence in the past and today, the legal and administrative framework governing Antarctica, as well as the threats this continent is facing, and the measures taken to limit them. The book has been structured in six chapters: 1. Geographical aspects, including Geomorphology, Geology, Climate, Ice formation and Demography. 2. Life forms, outlining the main components of the marine and terrestrial flora and fauna, and a section on introduced species. 3. History, which starts with the early expeditions to the Southern Ocean and goes on towards the discovery, exploration and conquest of the continent, up to the agreement of the Antarctic Treaty. 4. The Antarctic Treaty, a synthesis of the instruments stemmed from the Antarctic Treaty System, including the AT itself, CCAS, CCAMLR, CRAMRA and the Madrid Protocol. References to the establishment of the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat have been included as well. 5. Human Activities, a chapter that covers Science, Logistics, Tourism and Fisheries. Particular emphasis was given to the role of Science, the importance of the International Polar Year and the likely impacts of commercial activities in the Antarctic. 6. Protection of the Environment, which describes conservation and protection measures stemmed from the legal instruments in force within the ATS, particularly the Madrid Protocol. Each chapter starts with an introductory note and ends with a conclusion. The text of the Antarctic Treaty was appended after these 6 chapters, and nearly 80 book references in three languages, plus a further list with 21 useful web sites have also been included. The book, which has 261 pages in an A3 format, also contains 19 tables, 10 figures, 39 color photographs and 100 footnotes. Information included in the book is updated up to June 2006 (XXIX Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, Edinburgh).

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
In principle, this book fully meets the objectives of the IPY E&O Plan, particularly those referring to deepening the understanding of polar processes and their global linkages, to more fully involving circumpolar residents with Antarctic activities, and to capturing the interest of schoolchildren, the public as well as policy/decision-makers. Therefore, it fits well in the E&O targeted audiences. In addition, it is originally written in Spanish, which is certainly an added value, given the scarcity of material in such a language on these matters, and the expanded number of people who could have access to the information included on it.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The Association Aves Argentinas, Argentine branch of Birdlife International and one of the oldest Conservation NGOs in Argentina, has already endorsed this project. Endorsement from the Government of Tierra del Fuego, a circumpolar province, is currently being sought. Support from the Spanish and Argentine Antarctic Programs might also be explored.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

How will the project be organised and managed?
The book is already at its final stage. Minor editorial changes are currently being done. A local publisher is at present analyzing likely terms for an agreement. Printing would take 45/90 days. Initially the book would be distributed all over Argentina, but possibilities for distribution abroad (including translations) are being explored.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The book was originally designed as a reference material to address E&O activities. In particular, it follows the principles outlined in the IPY E&O Framework, since the information contained on the book is oriented towards the main targeted audiences included in such a Framework.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
No data management issues have been addressed.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Funding is planned to be obtained mainly from the private sector. Investors have already been contacted and, in principle, they have shown interest in the project. The possibility of getting additional support from foreign NGOs and governmental agencies has already been explored and chances look promising.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Concerning likely peer reviewers for this book, I would add that Edith Fanta (e.fanta@terra.com.br), a member of the E&O Steering Group of the IPY, and Manuel Catalán (manuel.catalan@uca.es), Head of the Spanish Antarctic Program and National Contact Point for the IPY, have kindly offered themselves to act as such. Although I work for the Argentine Antarctic Program since 1990, this project is a personal initiative. Therefore I won’t include any formal link to my organization in this form. Finally, if any further information about either the book or my professional background is needed, I would be glad to provide it.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr Rodolfo Sanchez

Andonaegui 1462, Buenos Aires
C1431DVB
Argentina

Tel: +54-11-4523 7587
Mobile: no
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation