The Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP)
About COMNAP
We are an international association, formed in 1988, which brings together our Members - the governmental National Antarctic Programs. Those programs are the organizations that have the responsibility for delivering and supporting scientific research in the Antarctic Treaty Area on behalf of their respective governments and in the spirit of the Antarctic Treaty.
Our Projects
As an organization, we facilitate and lead a range of COMNAP projects that support our Membership, that engage the public, and which ensure we are providing best practice advice to the Antarctic community. Over the past 35 years, we have convened a range of workshops, symposiums and forums to focus on key issues and to share expertise.
Our Expert Groups
COMNAP Member National Antarctic Programs’ people have expertise related to a range of Antarctic topics: air operations, science facilitation, health & safety, environmental management & protection, to name only a few. A fundamental aspect of our organization is to support the free exchange of information between these experts. This is done through our Expert Groups.
Sustainability
Sustainability for COMNAP means caring for the environment, supporting our Members to succeed and fostering strong community relationships while contributing towards a positive, enduring Antarctic future within the Antarctic Treaty System.
Our Publications
Over the years, we have worked with our Membership and the wider Antarctic community to produce a range of informative brochures, booklets, books and even the Antarctic Station game. Some of our publications provide guidance to our Members on things like waste management, critical technologies, preventing the introduction of non-native species into the Antarctic environment and how to respond to oil spills. One of our most significant publications celebrated the 25th anniversary of COMNAP.
News & Events
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More Information on the Heightened Risk of HPAI
5 July 2024
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was first confirmed in Antarctica in February 2024, arriving there through natural migration of wildlife. Now, the community is calling for increased vigilance and increased monitoring at the start of the austral summer science season, to aid our understanding as to how the virus may spread. There is also concern for Australia and New Zealand, two countries that have not seen HPAI outbreaks in wildlife to date. “Doherty Institute senior research fellow Dr Michelle Wille said it was only a matter of time before the virus arrived in Australia, with experts predicting the highest risk period between August and November when millions of migratory birds arrived from northern Asia”, (Read more here).
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COMNAP AGM 36 (2024)
14 - 16 August 2024
The COMNAP AGM 36 (2024) will be convened as an in-person meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from Wednesday 14 August through Friday 16 August 2024.
To participate in any of the meetings, registration is required. Registration closed on Wednesday 10 July.
The meeting and associated events are open only to Members, Observers and Invited Experts.
For more information visit the AGM webpage.
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Joint COMNAP/SCAR Mini-Symposium
03 July 2024
On Monday 19 August 2024, 09:30-11:00 (UTC -4), COMNAP will hold a joint mini-symposium during the SCAR Open Science Conference, in Pucón, Chile.
The mini-symposium, titled “A Promising Future for Antarctic Research: Facilitation of circumpolar initiatives through science and science support partnerships” will be co-chaired by Antonio Quesada, COMNAP Chair, and Deneb Karentz, SCAR Vice President Science.
This mini-symposium will explore the complex nature of establishing the framework for providing logistics for circumpolar research programs and it will explore the critical science/science support nexus that enables circumpolar research collaborations.
For more information visit the upcoming meeting webpage.
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Happy Mid-Winter's Day
Friday 21 Jun 2024, 8:50 am NZT
- exactly winter solstice 2024Celebrating the shortest day of the year. Thinking of everyone, part of the COMNAP National Antarctic Programs, that are currently wintering-over in the Antarctic. Enjoy your day and know that we are thinking of all of you and are sending the sun back to you.
Winter data from Antarctica is critical to our understanding of how the Antarctic region is driving and responding to change. National Antarctic Program expeditioners keep vital research equipment and infrastructure going, collecting data that can only be obtained from Antarctica.
Thank you to everyone in Antarctica right now & to your families back home that support you. We are with you all in spirit.
HAPPY MID-WINTER’S DAY 2024.