Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Scouting NZ – International Polar Year Antarctica NZ Expedition 2007/8  (Scouting NZ Antarctic Expedition)

Outline
The Rationale To jointly celebrate the Centenary of Scouting worldwide and the International Polar Year 2007/8. To provide the opportunity for Scouts to be in a prominent place to renew their Scout Promise in the centennial year and to acknowledge the significant relationship between Scouting, conservation and the global environment. The Proposal That Antarctica New Zealand in partnership with Scouting New Zealand provides the opportunity for a number (6) of Venturers / Rovers aged 17 – 21 years, male and female, with an adult leader, qualified for activity in the outdoors and extreme conditions, to visit Antarctica for 5 – 7 days in the summer season of 2007/8. The Scouting NZ Antarctic Expedition will be hosted by Antarctica New Zealand and will join teams of scientists conducting research during expeditions scheduled for the Antarctic summer season 2007/8. The focus of this expedition is to add value to the different research teams by providing the positive assistance required to accomplish their mission. As a support member, the Venturers / Rovers will assist the scientists in the daily activities required to successfully conduct their science, environmental and field research projects. These assignments may be as simple as helping to cook the daily meals and doing camp chores to the more challenging tasks of gathering and analysing samples for testing or undertaking a specific project such as completing the construction of a track around Observation Heights. The Scouting NZ - International Polar Year Antarctica Expedition will involve 6 young people supported by one leader and they will contribute to the International Polar Year goals by providing young people with opportunities to increase their awareness of the polar environment, to participate in research activities outside the formal educational setting, involvement at all levels with polar observations, study, research and living life in one of the worlds last true frontiers. The Criteria That all members of the expedition are physically fit, have passed a suitable medical and are available with some flexibility to undertake the visit. That the accompanying leader is qualified as a competent outdoor / mountain activity leader.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The young people who will take part in the project will assist Antarctica New Zealand base staff working on several major projects spanning all areas of the organisation. The ANDRILL project is a joint scientific drilling project investigating paleoclimate history. BIOROSS, funded by the Ministry of Fisheries, is a multi-disciplinary scientific investigation into the biodiversity of the Ross Sea Region. Cape Hallett Remediation, is cleaning up the Cape Hallett Station site. This is a collaborative project between the New Zealand and United States Antarctic Programmes assisted by the Italian Antarctic Program.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Ambassadors for International Polar Year NZ participants undertake to pass on their experiences to others in Scouting throughout the World, and amongst their NZ peers, through providing written accounts for worldwide publication by the World Organisation of Scout Movements (WOSM) and by making personal presentations to others in New Zealand.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Scott Base, McMurdo Sound and other research facilities in the McMurdo Sound region. These include the Arrival Heights laboratory, where atmospheric research is carried out, and scientific huts at Cape Bird, Bratina Island and several sites in the Dry Valleys.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 12/07 – 02/08            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Other than the facilities offered by Antarctica NZ at this juncture we are unaware of any further facility requirement or ability to share resources with other projects.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Participants will undertake a specific legacy project completing the construction of a track around Observation Heights, Scott Base.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes - Antarctica New Zealand has given full endorsement and support to the project.

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?
Scouting New Zealand will undertake to coordinate arrangements for the selection of the party and hosting in Christchurch, NZ, pre and post visit if required and to abide by Antarctica New Zealand requests in this respect. Antarctica New Zealand will take responsibility for the travel arrangements to and from Antarctica, for accommodation and living requirements whilst in Antarctica and to provide appropriate field training for the visit, suitable outdoor clothing and supervision of the party when in Antarctica.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
An EOC plan will be developed during 2007 in line with the projects to be undertaken during the Summer of 2007/08. The plan will comply with the requirements of the framework document.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Funding will be primarily obtained through national funding and private sources.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
A Scouting Precedent Commencing in 1961 Queen’s Scouts and Venturers from New Zealand have visited Scott Base. To date over 40 have benefited from the experience of a lifetime. All were great ambassadors of the Scout Movement and contributed to the work of Antarctica New Zealand. On their return each passed on stories of their experience and have helped increase awareness amongst their peers of the unique nature of Antarctica.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr Geoffrey Knighton
The Scout Association of New Zealand
PO Box 11-348
Wellington
6142
New Zealand

Tel: 00 64 4 471 0720
Mobile: no
Fax: 00 64 4 471 0727
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation