The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) is held annually. During each ATCM, there is also a meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP). The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) is an Observer at ATCMs and CEPs, and provides independent and objective scientific advice in a variety of fields, particularly on environmental and conservation matters. For more information on the Antarctic Treaty, please visit the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat website.
SCAR’s Standing Committee on the Antarctic Treaty System (SCATS) is responsible for coordinating the advice presented to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings. This is mainly done through the presentation of papers at the meetings. These papers are coordinated by SCATS and involve many scientists from around the world helping to convey the most recent and up-to-date status of research in any particular area.