Environmental Evaluations for Proposed Activities in Antarctica

Background

Any person proposing to carry out any activity in Antarctica must prepare an environmental impact assessment. Recent Initial Environmental Evaluations (IEEs) and Comprehensive Environmental Evaluations (CEEs) received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding proposed Antarctic activities are listed below.

 

Initial Environmental Evaluations (IEEs)

An IEE describes an activity's purpose, location, duration and intensity, and considers alternatives and assesses impacts, including cumulative impacts, in the light of existing and known planned activities.

 

Comprehensive Environmental Evaluations (CEEs)

For a proposed activity likely to have more than a minor or transitory effect on the Antarctic environment, a CEE must be prepared. A CEE must include the above descriptions of the activity as required for an IEE, and must also include the matters listed in Article 3(2) of the Protocol on Environmental Protection [external link], such as a description of the initial environmental reference state with which predicted changes are to be compared and a prediction of the future environmental reference state in the absence of the proposed activity.

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of any IEEs or CEEs (if listed below) please contact the Antarctic Policy Unit.

 

Initial Environmental Evaluations Received

Ross Sea Kayak Expedition, Jan/Feb 2011: Adventure Philosophy Expedition Team.

To paddle specially adapted cold weather sea kayaks along a section of the Borchgrevink Coast in the Ross Sea. Further to: (i) conduct the first New Zealand exploration of a portion of this coast line by kayak (ii) draw international attention to the issue of climate change and the potential effect on Antarctic ice sheets. The expedition will commence sea kayaking around the 31st Jan 2011 until approximately 23 Feb 2011.

Deadline for comments: 17 May 2010