This Sunday February 22, the 122nd anniversary of Argentina’s arrival in Antarctica was celebrated, with the aim of understanding and protecting the white continent. It all began on this date, but in 1904, the day the national flag was raised on Laurie Island (South Orkneys).
This event marked the beginning of a sustained policy over time with the establishment of a meteorological observatory that became a network of refuge bases and campaigns projecting knowledge and cooperation in one of the most remote environments in the world.
But most notably, it is the country’s uninterrupted presence on the white continent, as Argentina was the only country with permanent occupation in that southern region for a long period.
This permanence granted the country participation as a central actor in the forums where controls, rules, and priorities are discussed in this natural reserve, dedicated to peace and science.
What is the situation of Argentina in Antarctica?
During its 122 years of uninterrupted presence, Argentina built six permanent bases (Orcadas, Marambio, Carlini, Esperanza, San Martin, and Belgrano II), and seven temporary summer bases (Almirante Brown, Matienzo, Primavera, Cámara, Petrel, Melchior, and Decepción).
Additionally, it has various logistical support refuges distributed in the region, which helped achieve exploration milestones, oceanographic campaigns with the icebreaker ARA Almirante IrÃzar, and participation in rescue missions and international cooperation.
Argentina’s arrival in Antarctica
The presence of Argentina in Antarctica marked a scientific and geopolitical milestone in the southern hemisphere. Since the establishment of the Orcadas base in 1904, the country has maintained a permanent and uninterrupted occupation on the white continent.
In scientific terms, this arrival allowed for the development of pioneering research in meteorology, glaciology, marine biology, and geology. The systematic studies on polar climate provided key data to understand the atmospheric circulation of the southern hemisphere and its influence on South America.
Furthermore, Antarctic research has become strategic for analyzing climate change. Currently, the monitoring of ice, temperatures, and marine biodiversity contributes to assessing glacier retreat and the acidification of the oceans, phenomena with global impact.
Science, sovereignty, and environmental commitment
In the environmental sphere, Argentina’s participation is framed within the Antarctic Treaty, which establishes the peaceful and scientific use of the territory. This agreement prohibits military exploitation and promotes international cooperation in the protection of the Antarctic ecosystem.
Likewise, the environmental commitment involves strict waste management protocols, emission control, and impact assessment before each activity. The logistics and infrastructure must adapt to an extremely fragile environment sensitive to human alterations.
Therefore, Argentina’s arrival in Antarctica not only consolidated a policy of sovereign presence. It also promoted a sustained scientific tradition and an approach of environmental responsibility in one of the most vulnerable and decisive territories for the planet’s climate balance.