The Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs is an international association, formed in 1988, which facilitates support to Antarctic operations amongst the governmental National Antarctic Programs. Our Membership is thirty-four country programs, representing almost 100% of the science and science support activity in Antarctica. The National Antarctic Programs, our Members, are responsible 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. They work collaboratively and individually to ensure data from Antarctica is available to the world.
Projects
COMNAP Projects support our Membership, engage the public, and ensure we are providing best practice advice to the Antarctic Treaty system.
Expert Groups
People within the COMNAP Membership have a depth and breadth of expertise found nowhere else. A fundamental aspect of our organisation is to support the free exchange of information between these experts.
Ambitions
Our Ambitions include caring for the environment, supporting our Members to succeed, and fostering strong community relationships while contributing towards a positive, enduring Antarctic future.
Documents and resources
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 prevent and respond to oil spills. We are advisors to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCMs) and to the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) through our Permanent Observer status.
News & Events
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Welcoming Colombia as the 34th Member National Antarctic Program of COMNAP
11 August 2025
During the COMNAP AGM 37, the Colombian National Antarctic Program through its Manager, the Executive Secretary of the Colombian Ocean Commission, presented the Colombian programs’ application for COMNAP Member status. Their application showcased the depth and breadth of their operations and science support. The AGM approved the application for Member status, welcoming them as the 34th Member National Antarctic Program of COMNAP.
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News from the COMNAP Annual General Meeting 37 (2025)
9 August 2025
After three days of active discussions, presentations and information sharing, we closed the COMNAP AGM 37 in Warsaw, Poland.
We are excited to announce that COMNAP elected a new Chair, Agnieszka Kruszewska (MNAP Poland). The first time an MNAP from Poland has held the Chair. We also welcomed two new Vice Chairs, Özgün Oktar (MNAP Türkiye) & Gianluca Bianchi Fasani (MNAP, Italy).
Read our Communique for more information.
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21st COMNAP Symposium “Our Antarctic Future”
6 August 2025
COMNAP has long been a beacon of collaboration, resilience, and innovation. National Antarctic programs collective efforts have shaped the way programs operate, support science, and respond to the ever-changing conditions of the Antarctic region.
This Symposium was not only an opportunity to reflect on members shared achievements but to look ahead—to the challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities that lie before us.
This Symposium was a moment to ask bold questions: What kind of Antarctic future do we want to help shape? How can we build on lessons learned to prepare for the next 10, 20—even 60—years of Antarctic science support?
You can learn more about the Symposium here.
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COMNAP AGM 37 (2025) started
5 August 2025
One hundred and sixty-six attendees from thirty-five COMNAP Member and Observer programs, and three invited stakeholder organisations, are attending the AGM that started today.
In this first day, during Regional Breakout Group Sessions, national Antarctic programs exchanged pre-season information for Antarctic research season 2025/2026. The six Regional Breakout Group Sessions were Peninsula, Ross Sea, East Antarctica, Larsemann Hills Management Group, Dronning Maud Land, and the High Plateau. There was discussion in each group on the unique aspects of those areas of operation and of increasing science support.