China tightens control on Antarctica expeditions

Want China Times, Xinhua 2014-06-06

A Chinese expedition member takes pictures of a penguin in Antarctica,
Feb. 26. (Photo/Xinhua)

Chinese authorities have strengthened their management of citizens and organizations going to Antarctica to avoid damage to the environment, according to a statement issued by the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) on Wednesday.

Activities subject to the new rules include bringing animals, plants and microorganisms that are not indigenous to Antarctica to the area, hunting animals, plucking plants, erecting structures and recovering meteorites.

Those who plan such activities that may interfere with the continent's environment or eco-systems must obtain approval from the SOA before they start, said the statement.

A one-month application window will be open in April for activities scheduled from June 1 to May 31 of the next year.

Traffic to Antarctica, including expeditions, tourist trips and scientific research by social organizations, has been rising in recent years, posing challenges as to how such activity is managed.

Previously, the SOA largely only handled state-sponsored scientific expeditions, according to a 2004 State Council decree which entitled the administration to execute approval rights for polar expeditions.

Qu Tanzhou with the SOA said the move can better regulate Chinese visits to the southern-most continent, protect their rights and help shape China's national image.

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