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Folder XXXI SCAR Delegates 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

The XXXI SCAR Delegates’ Meeting took place between 9 – 11 August 2010 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Meeting Report:

SCAR Bulletin 176 – 2010 November – Report of the XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2010

Notes: No papers WP12, WP20, WP21. Papers WP32, WP36, IP17, IP21 and IP24 were oral. 

pdf SCAR XXXI IP01: SCAR Annual Report for 2009

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31_IP01_SCAR_Annual_Report.pdf

XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP01: SCAR Annual Report for 2009

Information Paper 1
Agenda Item: several
Posted/Revised: March 1
Person Responsible: Summerhayes

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR Annual Report

Authors: Colin Summerhayes

Relevant URLs or references to other reports:

Bulletin 174 (updated link)

Introduction/ Background:

This document represents the annual report of SCAR activities for 2009

During 2009, SCAR’s research continued focusing on five main themes:

(i) the modern ocean-atmosphere-ice system;

(ii) the evolution of climate over the past 34 million years since glaciation began;

(iii) the response of life to change;

(iv) preparations to study subglacial aquatic environments; and

(v) the response of the Earth’s outer atmosphere to the changing impact of the solar wind at both poles.

Highlights for 2009 include:

  1. Publication of a major 560-page interdisciplinary review of “Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment (ACCE)”
  2. The discovery that increased growth in Antarctic sea ice during the past three decades results from strengthening of surface winds around Antarctica caused by development of the ozone hole; these winds limit the impact of global warming on Antarctic climate.
  3. Published images of the aurora taken simultaneously in the Northern and the Southern hemispheres show that they can be totally asymmetric, contradicting the commonly held assumption that they should be mirror images of one another.
  4. A barcoding campaign extended the number of Antarctic DNA barcodes from 3,500 pre-2009 to over 10,000.
  5. Recent research shows that terrestrial, shelf and deeper water biotas all have components that survived repeated glaciations in what appear to be temporary and shifting refugia, which likely also contributed to substantial radiation in the marine biota.
  6. The SCAR-supported ANDRILL Programme recovered more than 20 million years of climate and ice sheet history rom McMurdo Sound, providing numerical modellers with new constraints on ice sheet behaviour and Ross Sea conditions.
  7. Publication of the first SCAR Data and Information Strategy (DIMS), defining the direction for SCAR data management activities over the next 5 years.
  8. SCAR successfully ran the first year of the Martha T Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica, a $100,000 unrestricted yearly prize given to an early to mid-career individual who has demonstrated excellence and the potential or leadership in Antarctic science or policy. Dr Steven Chown was the inaugural recipient.

pdf SCAR XXXI IP02: SCAR’s Performance Review Report

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31_IP02_Performance_Rev_v2.pdf

XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP02: SCAR’s Performance Review Report

Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research: A Decade of Progress; New Challenges Ahead

Report of the 2009 SCAR Review Group

Information Paper 2
Agenda Item: 4.1
Posted/Revised: February 1
Person Responsible: Summerhayes

Executive Summary

Title: Report of the 2009 SCAR Review Group

Authors: P.Smith, K. Finney, A. Roberts, C, Scheidegger

Introduction/ Background:  The report of the 2009 SCAR Review Group, appointed by SCAR President Dr. Mahlon C. (Chuck) Kennicutt, evaluates the progress that SCAR has made in fulfilling the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Group formed in 1999.  In all areas where there were Ad Hoc Group recommendations, SCAR has made significant progress.  The Review Group comments favorably on SCAR’s decade of progress in this report.

Important Issues or Factors: The Review Group’s recommendations center in the following themes that are the major areas of discussion:

  • Science planning and facilitation;
  • Nurturing capacity and early career polar scientists;
  • Internal and external communications;
  • Relations with ICSU and other organizations;
  • SCAR and the Antarctic Treaty;
  • Facilitating data management and archiving;
  • Delegate-level, Standing Scientific and other groups;
  • The SCAR Secretariat; and,
  • Maintaining SCAR’s momentum.

In contrast to the Ad Hoc Group’s conclusions the 2009 Review Group’s findings, as noted, are favorable.  The Review Group’s recommendations are designed to build on SCAR’s significant accomplishments, 2000-2009; and to prepare SCAR for an even more effective role in the second decade of the 21st Century.

Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, always important scientifically and diplomatically will be evermore so in the decades ahead.  Understanding Antarctic climate change and objectively interpreting this information for policy makers and the public, is perhaps the greatest immediate challenge.  SCAR must continue to play a central role in this process.  There are other daunting challenges, e.g. the over-exploitation of living resources.  While exploitation of natural resources has receded from view in recent years, it is possible to imagine scenarios that will bring this issue to the fore once again.  Environmental protection, including sound environmental practice in research, will grow in importance. There will also be emerging areas of scientific inquiry that should receive priority. In some instances the inclusion of new science initiatives will require that other programs receive less financial or logistic support.  In all of these and other emerging challenges sound scientific advice must be at the core of policy making so that it is well informed on a continuous basis as scientific understanding continues to grow.  SCAR has prepared itself well to address emerging challenges through the reforms undertaken during 2000-2009. 

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  An improvement in the way SCAR operates and information to be included in the SCAR Strategic Plan 2011-2016

pdf SCAR XXXI IP03a: Code of Conduct for Subglacial Fieldwork

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31_IP03a_Subglacial_CoC.pdf

XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP03a: Code of Conduct for Subglacial Fieldwork

Information Paper 3a
Agenda Item: 5.2
Posted/Revised: May 1
Person Responsible: Sparrow/Kennicutt

Executive Summary

Title: Code of conduct for the exploration and research of subglacial aquatic environments

Authors: Irina Alekhina, Peter Doran, Takeshi Naganuma, Guido di Prisco, Bryan Storey, Warwick Vincent (chair), Jemma Wadham, David Walton (United Kingdom)

Introduction/ Background: This Code of Conduct (CoC) is to help guide the science community in the exploration and research of Antarctic subglacial aquatic environments (SAE).  It has been prepared by an Action Group of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), in consultation with SAE specialists from a wide range of disciplines including the Committee of Managers of National Antarctic Programmes (COMNAP).  SCAR has a long history of leadership in SAE research and development including the Subglacial Antarctic Lake Group of Specialists (SALEGoS 2000-2004) and the Scientific Research Program Subglacial Antarctic Lake Environments (SALE 2004 onwards).  The present document results from a recommendation approved by the Delegates at XXX SCAR that, in recognition of “the value of these environments and the need to exercise wise environmental stewardship”, a SCAR Action Group should be formed to devise a code of conduct that would provide “guiding principles for SAE exploration and research”.  The preparation of this CoC by the Action Group has drawn upon all relevant literature, with special attention to SALE reports and the US National Academies report on environmental stewardship of SAE.  It will be modified and refined as new scientific results and environmental impact reports become available from planned SAE exploration campaigns.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Delegates are requested to approve the CoC for subglacial aquatic environments

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: The CoC would serve as a recommended set of guidelines for SCAR Members and will also be presented to the Antarctic Treaty Parties

Partners: COMNAP have commented extensively on the CoC, which was fully revised to address these comments

Budget Implications: None.

pdf SCAR XXXI IP03b: Code of Conduct for Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes in Antarctica

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31_IP03b_CoC_for_Animals.pdf

XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP03b: Code of Conduct for Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes in Antarctica

Information Paper 3b
Agenda Item: 5.2
Posted/Revised: June 1
Person Responsible: Conlan/Huiskes

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR code of conduct for use of animals for scientific purposes In Antarctica

Authors: Ad Huiskes, David Walton, Kathy Conlan and others

Introduction/ Background: Present legislation in many countries focuses on experiments on captive animals for testing chemicals etc. Legislation on experiments or handling of wild animals is still erratic. Hence the Standing Scientific Group on Life Sciences proposed some years ago a SCAR Code of Conduct for use of animals for scientific purposes in Antarctica. After discussion in the Delegates Meeting of XXX SCAR, this code has been revised according to the comments made. A new version is attached for discussion and subsequent adoption in the business meeting of the SSG-LS of XXXI SCAR and will be presented to the Delegates Meeting of XXXI SCAR.

Important Issues or Factors: This Code of Conduct will be discussed by SSG-LS prior to the SCAR Delegates meeting. Any suggested changes will be highlighted by K. Conlan.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: The Delegates are asked to approve the Code of Conduct, recognizing that it will be submitted as a paper to the 2011 CEP.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Improved, consistent guidelines for SCAR members (and likely ATS Parties) for the use of animals for scientific purposes in Antarctica

Partners: COMNAP and others have been involved in the drafting of this CoC.

Budget Implications: None

pdf SCAR XXXI IP04a: Report of the Joint and Individual Meetings of SCADM and SCAGI

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31_IP04a_SCADM-SCAGI_Rept.pdf

XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP04a: Report of the Joint and Individual Meetings of SCADM and SCAGI

Information Paper 4a
Agenda Item: 5.4
Posted/Revised: May 1
Person Responsible: Sparrow

Executive Summary

Title: Report of the Joint and Individual Meetings of SCADM (Standing Committee on Antarctic Data Management) and SCAGI (Standing Committee on Antarctic Geographic Information), Amsterdam, 7 – 9 September 2009

Authors: Finney, Brolsma et al.

Relevant URLs or references to other reports:

Introduction/ Background: For information only – gives background to reports on SCAGI and SCADM given at the Delegates meeting.

pdf SCAR XXXI IP04b: SCAR Data Policy

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XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP04b: SCAR Data Policy

Information Paper 4b
Agenda Item: 5.4
Posted/Revised: June 1
Person Responsible: Finney

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR Data Policy

Authors: Kim Finney

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: See also SCAR Data and Information Management Strategy (Report 34, updated link) which provides the full context for why a Data Policy is required.

Introduction/ Background: To clarify obligations with regard to data access, SCAR requires a clearly enunciated data management policy so that there is unambiguous guidance on what is expected of SCAR members. This requires development and endorsement of a SCAR Data Policy that stipulates the norms that SCAR members should adopt with respect to data sharing and access; data management planning; and establishment of National Antarctic Data Centres (NADCs). SCAR related research data is highly multidisciplinary and often widely dispersed. The SCAR policy aims to provide a framework for SCAR data to be handled in a consistent manner, and to strike a balance between the rights of investigators and the need for widespread access through the free and unrestricted sharing and exchange of both data and metadata.  As currently drafted, the SCAR policy is compatible with the data principles of SCAR’s parent body, ICSU and other relevant international agencies (e.g. WMO), and with the goals of Article III 1. c of the Antarctic Treaty.

Important Issues or Factors: Policy covers: definition of data; Data access;   Data preservation requirements; Data management planning; and Data acknowledgement norms.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: It is requested that Delegates review and endorse the draft SCAR Data Policy.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: (if the actions are taken what outcomes are expected)

Partners: Similar policies already exist in other networks, or are emerging.

Budget Implications: N/A

pdf SCAR XXXI IP04c: SCAR Data and Information Management Strategy (DIMS) 2009 – 2013

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31_IP04c_SCAR_DIMS.pdf

XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP04c: SCAR Data and Information Management Strategy (DIMS) 2009 – 2013

Information Paper 4c
Agenda Item: 5.4
Posted/Revised: June 1
Person Responsible: Finney

Executive Summary

Title: Data and Information Management Strategy (DIMS) 2009 – 2013

Authors: Kim FInney

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: http://www.scar.org/researchgroups/

Introduction/ Background: This Strategy’s vision is to build an Antarctic Data Management System (ADMS), capable of supporting inter-disciplinary Antarctic science and SCAR activities within the Antarctic Treaty System. The ADMS should be viewed as a science enabler. Through a range of individual activities SCAR is already making progress towards achieving this vision. But much more can be achieved. The likelihood of realising the desired goal will be greater if appropriate strategic foundations are put in place to enable better coordination of individual and often disconnected efforts.

Important Issues or Factors: (what do the Delegates need to be aware of)

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: The Delegates are requested to confim the approval given to the SCAR DIMS at the Executive Committee Meeting in Chile in 2009.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: (if the actions are taken what outcomes are expected)

Partners: National Antarctic Data Centres and other organizations with an interest in Antarctic Data management

Budget Implications: $5000 a year for implementation

pdf SCAR XXXI IP05: Chief Officers’ Meeting report, Punta Arenas, 2009

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31_IP05_CO_MeetingRep09_v2.pdf

XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP05: Chief Officers’ Meeting report, Punta Arenas, 2009

Information Paper 5
Agenda Item: 5.5
Posted/Revised: Feb 1
Person Responsible: Summerhayes

Executive Summary

Title: Chief Officers Meeting Report, Punta Arenas

Authors: S. Chown, M.Sparrow, C.Summerhayes

Introduction/ Background:  This meeting report summarizes the outcomes of the COs meeting held in Punta Arenas prior to the EXCOM meeting.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  Having the COs meet prior to the EXCOM meeting has proven useful both in its own right and for improving efficiency of the EXCOM meeting since many issues can be discussed and a way forward agreed prior to the meeting.

pdf SCAR XXXI IP06: Report of 3rd SCAR Cross-Linkages Workshop, Modena, 2009

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31_IP06_Cross-SSG_Links_09.pdf

XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP06: Report of 3rd SCAR Cross-Linkages Workshop, Modena, 2009

Information Paper 6
Agenda Item: 5.5
Posted/Revised: Feb 1
Person Responsible: Summerhayes

Executive Summary

Title: Report of SCAR 3rd Cross-Linkages Workshop, 2009

Authors: A.Capra

Introduction/ Background: The cross-linkages workshops are a mechanism to facilitate interdisciplinary linkages between and among SCAR’s Scientific Research Programmes (SRPs) and Standing Scientific Groups (SSGs) and data and information groups (Standing Committees on Antarctic Data Management (SC-ADM) and Antarctic Geographic Information (SC-AGI)

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Improved interactions between the SCAR SSGs and SRPs

Budget Implications:  $6k per year for meeting.

pdf SCAR XXXI IP07: Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment Review

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Antarctic-Climate-Change-and-the-Environment.pdf

SCAR XXXI IP07: Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment Review
XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP07: Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment Review

Information Paper 7
Agenda Item: 6.2
Posted/Revised: URL
Person Responsible: Turner
 
Report also listed under Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment publications:  Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment

pdf SCAR XXXI IP08: Progress with the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008

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31_IP08_IPY_Progress.pdf

XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP08: Progress with the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008

Information Paper 8
Agenda Item: 7.1
Posted/Revised: March 31
Person Responsible: Summerhayes

Executive Summary

Title: Progress with the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008

Authors: Colin Summerhayes, Mike Sparrow

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: The development and implementation of SOOS is discussed in WP9; the DIMS is discussed in IP4c

Introduction/ Background: SCAR has made a highly significant contribution to the IPY, not simply by virtue of many of its ongoing science programmes being regarded as core IPY projects or as essential elements of other IPY projects, but also by developing observing systems, by creating a data management strategy, by assisting capacity building, education and training to develop the next generation of polar scientists, and by helping to manage the IPY process through ex officio membership of the IPY Steering Committee. In addition, SCAR was awarded an ICSU grant of 30,000 Euros in partnership with APECS and IASC to coordinate an initial assessment of the outcomes of International Polar Year (IPY) Education and Outreach. SCAR has also organised the first IPY Conference (2008) and is co-organising the 2nd and 3rd IPY conferences (2010 and 2012), and is making a significant contribution to the 700-page summary book “Understanding Earth’s Polar Challenges: International Polar Year 2007-2008.”

Important Issues or Factors: The IPY officially ended on 1 March 2009, but the Steering Committee continues to summer 2010, and the final IPY conference is in 2012. Dialogue is needed with WCRP regarding the implementation of CryOS. Dissolving PAnTOS as recommended by EXCOM should be discussed by the SCAR Delegates.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Delegates are asked to note and endorse progress, and to endorse continuing involvement, to the extent possible, in implementing key aspects of the IPY legacy (noting the implications of the joint SCAR/IASC EXCOM meeting) – especially (i) development and implementation of the observing systems CryOS and SOOS and other such Pan-Antarctic observing systems that may be developed through the activities of the SSGs, (ii) implementation of the SCAR data strategy (IP4c), (iii) continued support of APECS (WP31) and (iv) continued involvement in planning the 3rd IPY Conference.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: A comprehensive, systematic and integrated approach to cryospheric and oceanic observations, allied with effective data management and exchange, is essential to underpin climate and environmental change forecasts. Continued education and outreach will help to maintain interest and engagement in Antarctic research.

Partners: This will involve partnership with IASC (see WP 22), APECS, and continued links to ICSU and WMO and the IPY conference organizers.

Budget Implications: Funds will be required to enable participation of the Secretariat in meetings of the IPY conference planning committee for 2012, though video/phone conferencing will be used as much as possible.

pdf SCAR XXXI IP09: Report of the Twenty­-Eighth Meeting on the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)

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31_IP09_CCAMLR_28_Obs_2009.pdf

XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP09: Report of the Twenty­-Eighth Meeting on the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)

Information Paper 9
Agenda Item: 8.2
Posted/Revised: Jan 31
Person Responsible: Hindell

Executive Summary

Title: Report of the Twenty­-Eighth Meeting on the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)

Authors: Mark Hindell

Introduction/ Background:

The twenty‐eighth annual meeting of the Commission was held at the CCAMLR Headquarters in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, from 26 October to 6 November 2008. The Scientific committee meeting was chaired by Mr. S. Iverson (Norway) and met between 26 and 30 October.

A report on SCAR activities of relevance to CCAMLR was submitted in advance and was registered as Commission background document CCAMLR‐XXVIII/BG/6. This report is available via the SCAR website.

Mark Hindell  gave a detailed report on SCAR activities to the Scientific Committee (SC) as part of a standing item on the SC Agenda ‐ “Cooperation with other organisations, (i) Cooperation with the Antarctic Treaty System.”

This report dealt with CCAMLR activities of relevance to SCAR, plus comments, discussion and feedback on the SCAR report to CCAMLR, mentioned in (2) above, which should also be read in conjunction with this report.

There were a number of activities conducted by, or involving, SCAR that related directly to CCAMLR or were of potential interest to CCAMLR. These were summarized in a verbal report to the Committee.

Important Issues or Factors: SCAR is looking to form an AG on SCAR/CCAMLR interactions to improve the strategic partnership between the two organizations (in a similar manner to the AGs formed with the CEP and COMNAP),

Partners: CCAMLR

Budget Implications: Some funds for travel may be required. Joint AG will need to be allocated a one-off fund of around $5000

pdf SCAR XXXI IP10: The SCAR 50th Anniversary Book Draft

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XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP10: The SCAR 50th Anniversary Book Draft

Information Paper 10
Agenda Item: 9.1
Posted/Revised: May 1
Person Responsible: Walton

Executive Summary

Title: The SCAR 50th Anniversary Book Draft – “Science in the snow”

Author: David Walton (Book authors are David Walton and Peter Clarkson with additional material from Colin Summerhayes)

Introduction/ Background: In Hobart at XXIX SCAR Delegates decided that to celebrate 50 years of international scientific collaboration it would be valuable for a history of SCAR to be written. Michael Stoddart originally agreed to provide the lead but then had to withdraw due to work commitments. David Walton and Peter Clarkson agreed to undertake the necessary research and write the volume. Since then Colin Summerhayes has also become involved and provided an extra chapter as well as much useful comment.  

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: The draft of the volume is now almost complete and we are searching for suitable illustrations. Offers of suitable illustrations from Delegates would be most welcome, especially for periods before 1990/ Photos can be of SCAR meetings, SCAR excursions or notable individuals. The draft is being sent to a wide variety of senior SCAR members, past and present, for critical comment including Past Presidents and the Executive. For many sections we have been aided by input from individuals. The book cannot be a complete history of everything that SCAR has ever done but does aim to cover all the major activities including its relationships with other international organisations and its interactions with the Antarctic Treaty. Nevertheless the decision on what has been finally included is that of the authors. Publication is intended to be October 2010.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Delegates are requested to agree to publication on the basis that the book will provide a valuable reference on SCAR’s many activities, celebrate the objectives of the organisation and is priced to recover all the SCAR investment. 

Budget Implications: Use of $14,000 funds agreed for this project

pdf SCAR XXXI IP11: SCAR Awards

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XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP11: SCAR Awards

Information Paper 11
Agenda Item: 9.2
Posted/Revised: June 1
Person Responsible: Sparrow

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR Awards

Authors: M. Sparrow (with input from the Medal evaluations committee)

Introduction/ Background: The SCAR Awards consist of the SCAR Medals, Honorary membership of SCAR and Certificates of  Appreciation

Important Issues or Factors: In 2010 the SCAR Medal for Excellence in Antarctic Research is to be awarded to John Turner and the SCAR Medal for International Scientific Coordination is to be jointly awarded to Alan Cooper and Bob Rutford. Certificates of Appreciation are to be awarded to outgoing SCAR Vice-Presidents, Antonio Meloni and Sergio Marenssi, and ex-Executive Director of SCAR, Colin Summerhayes. Past President, Chris Rapley, will be made an Honorary Member of SCAR. Suggestions are made by the Medal evaluations committee on how to improve the evaluation procedure in the future.

Budget Implications: Funds are currently set aside to offset the costs of registration and the banquet for the medal winners at the conference.

pdf SCAR XXXI IP12: SCAR Fellowships

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SCAR XXXI IP12: SCAR Fellowships
XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP12: SCAR Fellowships

Information Paper 12
Agenda Item: 9.3
Posted/Revised: August 2
Person Responsible: Renuka

Executive Summary

Title: The SCAR Fellowship Scheme

Authors: R. Badhe

Relevant URLs or references to other reports

http://www.scar.org/awards/fellowships/

Introduction/ Background:  Applications were received from 16 candidates originating from 12 countries. The selection committee consisted of SSG Chief Officers (or their representatives) and members of the CBET group.

Budget Implications: Total budget for SCAR Fellowships is $30,000 and an extra voluntary contribution of $9,950 was received from India for 2010.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Delegates are asked to approve the selection of the 2010 fellowships made by EXCOM based on the recommendations of the Selection Committee. 

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: The Fellowship program is one of the key capacity building activity that SCAR undertakes.

Partners: SCAR is exploring partnership options for Fellowships with other organisations such as COMNAP.

pdf SCAR XXXI IP13: Rules of Procedure for Working Groups

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31_IP13_RoP_Subsid_Bodies.pdf

XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP13: Rules of Procedure for Working Groups

Information Paper 13
Agenda Item: 9.5
Posted/Revised: Feb 1
Person Responsible: Summerhayes

Executive Summary

Title: Rules of Procedure for Working Groups

Authors: Colin Summerhayes

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: These documents are subordinate to the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the SCAR Rules of Procedure published on the SCAR web page at www.scar.org/about/constitution/.

Introduction/ Background: The Rules of Procedure for SCAR Subsidiary Groups were first presented to Delegates at XXVIII SCAR in Bremerhaven. Delegates approved them in principle but asked the Secretariat to refine them and to present them to the Executive Committee for final approval. The Executive Committee meeting in Punta Arenas (August 2009) approved the revisions for transmission to the Delegates at XXXI SCAR.

In accordance with the SCAR Articles of Association these Rules are now referred to as the Rules of Procedure for Working Groups. In every case the overall SCAR Rules of Procedure (see above) take precedence where there is any apparent conflict or ambiguity between them and the Rules of Procedure for Working Groups.

Important Issues or Factors: There have been slight changes to these Rules regarding SCADM, SCAGI and SC-ATS to reflect the evolution of SCADM from JCADM and SCAGI from EGGI, and the evolving role of SC-ATS in relation to the CEP and ATCM.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Delegates are requested to endorse the Rules as written.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: The Rules will be published on the SCAR web site to assist Chief Officers and others in carrying out their duties efficiently and effectively.

Partners: Not applicable

Budget Implications: None

pdf SCAR XXXI IP14: SCAR’s Relations with Partners

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31_IP14_SCAR_Partners.pdf

XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP14: SCAR’s Relations with Partners

Information Paper 14
Agenda Item: 9.6
Posted/Revised: May 1
Person Responsible: Sparrow

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR’s relations with partners

Authors: Mike Sparrow, Chuck Kennicutt

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: https://www.scar.org/about-us/partners/overview/ (updated link), draft SCAR Strategic Plan 2011-2016

Introduction/ Background: In pursuit of its vision and mission, SCAR often forms partnerships as an efficient means to achieve its goals and objectives.  SCAR’s partners include other ICSU bodies, entities of the Antarctic Treaty System, organizations with a polar focus, and organizations with a polar interest. The types of partnerships SCAR form vary considerably since each is tailored to best accomplish the shared objectives.  In some instances, formal co-sponsorship of an activity is warranted entailing shared responsibility for program management and resourcing. SCAR is always open to, and looking for ways, to strengthen existing partnerships and establish new ones.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: (if the actions are taken what outcomes are expected)

Budget Implications: Co-sponsorship does involve some budgetary commitments (currently $3000 for CliC and $4000 for other co-sponsorships) but considering the influence and visibility these partnerships give SCAR these represent good value.

pdf SCAR XXXI IP15: Social Science Action Group: Values in Antarctica

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31_IP15_Social_Science_AG.pdf

SCAR XXXI IP15: Social Science Action Group: Values in Antarctica
XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP15: Social Science Action Group: Values in Antarctica

Information Paper 15
Agenda Item: 10.2
Posted/Revised: May 1
Person Responsible: Sparrow

Executive Summary

Title: Activities of the Social Science Action Group (Values in Antarctica)

Authors: Gary Steel and Daniela Liggett

Background

The International Polar Year has increased people’s awareness of the polar regions and stimulated high-quality scientific cooperation between participants from more than 60 countries.  Media coverage has brought information about the Southern Continent to millions of people around the world and has given them cause to weigh multiple values against one another when considering the overall worth of humanity’s endeavours in Antarctica.  The balancing of these values may influence a wide range of decisions.  Some of these decisions will, collectively, affect entire global systems, primarily via their impacts on climate, natural resources, and international policy.  Thus, understanding the extent and nature of the values that human beings place on Antarctica has large-scale and very serious implications.  It was this concern that gave rise to the recognition that an action group was needed to study and report on those values.

Progress

A steering group was formed in January, 2010.  The key outcomes of two on-line meetings are:

  • Discussion of substantive issues about the meaning of value.
  • Arrangement for a panel discussion to be held at the IPY science conference in Oslo, 2010, to attract the interest and opinions of scientists not normally associated with SCAR.
  • A decision to expand the geographic and disciplinary diversity of the steering group .

Recommendations/Actions and Justification

This Information Paper is to serve only as a brief, interim report on the early activities of the Social Science Action Group.  No request is being made of the delegates other than to continue their support for this Action Group.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes

The benefits expected to arise from the work of the Social Science Action Group include:

  • increased knowledge about some of the main influences on human decision-making regarding polar issues;
  • development of a list of recommendations to be considered by those responsible for major, Antarctic-related decisions;
  • compilation of a list of social scientists and humanities researchers involved in polar research, with the aim of initiating and strengthening collaborative networks.

Partners

The formation of partnerships with other SCAR Action Groups (History, CBET) as well as non-SCAR polar social science institutions and agencies is currently being explored.  It is hoped that by establishing these ties, a greater breadth of perspectives and knowledge can be included.

Budget Implications

$4,000 a year for meeting costs.

pdf SCAR XXXI IP16: Report of the SCAR Executive Committee Meeting, Punta Arenas, 2009

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31_IP16_EXCOM_Meeting_09.pdf

XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP16: Report of the SCAR Executive Committee Meeting, Punta Arenas, 2009

Information Paper 16
Agenda Item: 10.3
Posted/Revised: Feb 1
Person Responsible: Sparrow

Executive Summary

Title: Report of the SCAR Executive Committee Meeting (Punta Arenas, July, 2009)

Authors: Colin Summerhayes, Mike Sparrow, EXCOM

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: http://www.scar.org/publications/bulletins/Bulletin173.pdf

Introduction/ Background:  This report summarises the SCAR Executive Committee Meeting held in Punta Arenas in Chile, July 2009.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: A list of actions from the meeting are available in the report.

pdf SCAR XXXI IP18: Report of XXX SCAR Delegates Meeting

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31_IP18_XXX_SCAR_Dels_Rept.pdf

XXXI SCAR Delegates Meeting
9-11 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SCAR XXXI IP18: Report of XXX SCAR Delegates Meeting

Information Paper 18
Agenda Item: 10.4
Posted/Revised: Feb 1
Person Responsible: Sparrow

Executive Summary

Title: Report of XXX SCAR Delegates Meeting

Authors: Colin Summerhayes, Mike Sparrow, Delegates

Relevant URLs or references to other reports:

(obsolete link)

Introduction/ Background: This report summarises the SCAR Delegates Meeting held in Moscow, 14‐16 July 2008.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: A list of actions from the meeting are available in the report.

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