Colombia is committed to greater autonomy in polar research

Colombia is advancing in the preliminary design of its first permanent scientific station in Antarctica, a strategic project with which it seeks to strengthen its aspiration to become a consultative member of the Antarctic Treaty and gain greater autonomy in polar research.

This was stated by Lucas Rafael Ivorra Peñafort, professor of the Department of Design at the Faculty of Architecture and Design of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, in an interview with The Dayafter participating in a 17-day scientific journey as part of the eighth Air Campaign of the Colombian Aerospace Force (FAC) and Colombia’s Antarctic Expedition 12.

“Latin America needs to have a voice and vote on equal terms with powers like the United States or Russia, which already have a permanent presence in Antarctica, not only to participate in decisions, but to protect the ecosystems, ice sheets and biodiversity of the continent,” he noted.

In Latin America, only Argentina, Chile and Brazil have consultative status, while other countries participate without the right to vote.

The initiative is part of the Colombian Antarctic Program (PAC), whose objective is to consolidate its own infrastructure that allows greater autonomy in its scientific activities on the white continent.

As part of the process, two of the three planned workshops have been held to align expectations and define the first design guidelines. A third meeting is missing to finalize the model. “We will agree on that when FAC researchers who are still in Antarctica return.”

For the academic, having this own station would promote the national scientific agenda. “Until now, the projects have been developed in collaboration with stations in Argentina and Chile, but an own base would facilitate greater autonomy in Colombian research.”

Among the main challenges of the proposal, he mentioned those of a political nature, such as the allocation of resources by the Ministry of Sciences, and logistical ones, such as the transfer of materials by air or sea. Added to this are the restrictions of the Treaty of Madrid, which establishes strict environmental protection measures.

Beyond the technical aspects, he warned, the challenge is also to coordinate government entities, academics, the private sector and civil organizations so that the project has a high impact.

Currently it is being analyzed which will be the most suitable place to install it. “There is a plot of land, but it is still under study.”

Ivorra Peñafort stressed that participating in this type of experiences also enriches pedagogical dynamics, by showing how design can contribute to large-scale scientific projects and promote the generation of knowledge.

“Every year there is a new Antarctic expedition to which one can apply individually or with the FAC. It is key that these public entities see that it was worth it and that from the academy we can add value,” he concluded.

For Colombia, the construction of a permanent station would represent not only scientific infrastructure, but also a commitment to consolidate its presence in a key territory for global environmental governance.