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-three 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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Antarctic Summer Science Lecture Series
Christchurch, New Zealand
Final Presentation
11 December 2024The COMNAP Secretariat is proud to present the Antarctic Summer Science Lecture Series. Showcasing Antarctic research facilitated through our COMNAP Member National Antarctic Programs.
Wednesday 11 December | 5.30pm – 6.30pm | University of Canterbury | Central Lecture Theatres | Room C3The Telescope in the Ice: Neutrino Astronomy at the South Pole
By Professor Jenny Adams, University of Canterbury & Professor Albrecht Karle, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
For more information, visit the Antarctic Summer Science Lecture Series webpage.
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Updated COMNAP HPAI Guidance Now Available for Members
10 December 2024
COMNAP has reviewed and updated our Guidance on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Preparedness in Antarctic Operations.
The updated version is version 4, released to Members on 10 December 2024, through the COMNAP Members’ Only document site. Log in and download a copy today.
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Happy Antarctica Day!
2 December 2024
Celebrate Antarctica Day with us!
1 December marks the anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959, which designated the continent to peace and science.
On Monday 2 December, the COMNAP Secretariat celebrated Antarctica Day. With Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury, and the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust, those interested came along and had an opportunity to explore the Scott Discovery Hut. Thanks to the virtual reality headsets, people had the opportunity to visit Hut Point Peninsula and the Captain Robert Falcon Scott hut through an immersive virtual reality experience.
To all the COMNAP people in Antarctica-be safe & enjoy your day.
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Happy Antarctic Polar Pride Day 5
18 November 2024
Happy Antarctic Polar Pride Day to everyone!
COMNAP supports inclusivity through the “Welcoming the Power of Diversity within our Membership” statement. Signaling our commitment to contribute to positive change and ensure everyone who works in Antarctica feels safe, respected and welcomed.
Our Membership reflects the diversity of the Antarctic Treaty System community we serve. We share guidance and policies that embrace the concept of “Welcomed, safe & respected” in the Antarctic workforce.