pdf WP034: Systematic identification of globally important geological sites in Antarctica

ATCM XLIII and CEP XXIII 2021, Paris, France / Online

Working Paper

WP034: Systematic identification of globally important geological sites in Antarctica

Submitted: 29 April 2021

Summary:

SCAR has developed and tested a systematic method to identify globally-important geological sites in Antarctica (Antarctic Geosites). SCAR recommends that the CEP:

• acknowledges that the identification of globally-important geological sites in Antarctica (Antarctic Geosites) could be useful as a tool to assist Parties when conducting environmental impact assessments and, more generally, when planning and conducting activities in Antarctica;
• endorses the proposed systematic method for identification of Antarctic Geosites;
• endorses the identified Antarctic Geosite representing the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) transition on Seymour Island; and
• considers practical approaches for the implementation of the proposed method to identify further Antarctic Geosites, including through the SCAR Expert Group on Geological Heritage and Geoconservation.

The method for the systematic identification of globally important geological sites in Antarctica is in pdf attachment ATT100 (923 KB) .

ATCM - Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
CEP - Committee for Environmental Protection
43rd Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
14 - 24 June 2021