The Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs is an international association, formed in 1988, which facilitates support to Antarctic operations amongst the governmental National Antarctic Programs. Our Membership is thirty-three country programs, representing almost 100% of the science and science support activity in Antarctica. The National Antarctic Programs, our Members, are responsible for delivering and supporting scientific research in the Antarctic Treaty Area on behalf of their respective governments and in the spirit of the Antarctic Treaty. They work collaboratively and individually to ensure data from Antarctica is available to the world.
Projects
COMNAP Projects support our Membership, engage the public, and ensure we are providing best practice advice to the Antarctic Treaty system.
Expert Groups
People within the COMNAP Membership have a depth and breadth of expertise found nowhere else. A fundamental aspect of our organisation is to support the free exchange of information between these experts.
Ambitions
Our Ambitions include caring for the environment, supporting our Members to succeed, and fostering strong community relationships while contributing towards a positive, enduring Antarctic future.
Documents and resources
Over the years, we have worked with our Membership and the wider Antarctic community to produce a range of informative brochures, booklets, books and even the Antarctic Station game. Some of our publications provide guidance to our Members on things like waste management, critical technologies, preventing the introduction of non-native species into the Antarctic environment and how to prevent and respond to oil spills. We are advisors to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCMs) and to the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) through our Permanent Observer status.
News & Events
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Antarctic Summer Science Lecture Series
Christchurch, New Zealand
Final Presentation
11 December 2024All Welcome!
The COMNAP Secretariat is proud to present the Antarctic Summer Science Lecture Series. Showcasing Antarctic research facilitated through our COMNAP Member National Antarctic Programs.
Wednesday 11 December | 5.30pm – 6.30pm | University of Canterbury | Central Lecture Theatres | Room C3The Telescope in the Ice: Neutrino Astronomy at the South Pole
By Professor Jenny Adams, University of Canterbury & Professor Albrecht Karle, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
For more information, visit the Antarctic Summer Science Lecture Series webpage.
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Happy Antarctic Polar Pride Day 5
18 November 2024
Happy Antarctic Polar Pride Day to everyone!
COMNAP supports inclusivity through the “Welcoming the Power of Diversity within our Membership” statement. Signaling our commitment to contribute to positive change and ensure everyone who works in Antarctica feels safe, respected and welcomed.
Our Membership reflects the diversity of the Antarctic Treaty System community we serve. We share guidance and policies that embrace the concept of “Welcomed, safe & respected” in the Antarctic workforce.
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COMNAP Middle Manager’s Award
12 November 2024
COMNAP is pleased to open the call for the COMNAP Middle Manager’s Award.
The COMNAP Middle Manager’s Award is aimed at awarding members of COMNAP Member national Antarctic programs in senior or middle-management/middle career positions of all types.
It is meant to provide support to the applicant to undertake a short-term visit to another COMNAP Member national Antarctic program facility (including an Antarctic station or facility) or to a related organisation to participate in training, mentoring or to exchange ideas or work on joint projects.
The eligibility checklist and application forms are available here.
Spread the word within your organisations!
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COMNAP Secretariat at COP29
11 November 2024
The COMNAP Secretariat is attending, virtually, the UN Climate Change Conference Baku - COP29, 11-22 November 2024.
COP, which stands for Conference of Parties, is the series of formal meetings Conference of Parties, where governments assess global efforts to advance the Paris Agreement and the Convention.
The management implications of a changing Antarctic region is an important topic for the COMNAP Membership.
A better understanding of the mechanisms behind negotiations at COP29 and presentations of issues and topic, is relevant to assist national Antarctic programs in their effort to protect the Antarctic environment.