A specially protected area will be created in Antarctica, near the Belgian Princess Elisabeth research station, the Belgian Environmental Minister Zakia Khattabi announced on Tuesday.
The area will have prohibited access for non-scientific or tourist purposes. It has been protected due to the beauty of its landscapes as well as the great variety of rocks.
These "nunataks" rocks also contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity as they protect the non-flowering plants mosses and lichens which harbour essential micro-organisms.
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As a result, both Belgian and international scientists proposed to grant the area special protection. It was approved by the 45th annual consultative meeting of the Antarctic Treaty in Helsinki, from 28 May to 8 June 2023.
Khattabi praised the decision, adding that "Antarctica needs the protection afforded by the treaty more than ever."
She explained that "the international community is starting to recognise the impact of increasing human activities" which in turn requires the development of "a global network of protected areas" across Antarctica.
