About 250 delegates descended on Hobart for the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs workshop, symposium, and annual general meeting in the final week of June.
COMNAP is an international association, formed in 1988, which brings together over 32 National Antarctic Programs from countries such as Argentina, France, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, UK, South Africa, and the USA, delivering and supporting scientific research in the Antarctic Treaty Area.
The 2023 Search and Rescue Workshop, annual general meeting, and symposium for COMNAP was held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart from 23-29 June.
As the host nation, the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), were the leading organisers of this year’s conference.
The City of Hobart’s working deep-water port right at our doorstep has facilitated its role as one of five cities in the world which provide a gateway for people to visit and work in Antarctica.
The other Antarctic Gateway Cities around the world are Christchurch in New Zealand, Cape Town in South Africa, Punta Arenas in Chile and Ushuaia in Argentina.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the importance of the Antarctic sector for Hobart should not be underestimated both culturally and economically.
It helps reap the state $160m a year and employs more than 950 people while Hobart is home to the highest concentration of Antarctic and marine scientists in the world.
“Australia’s international reputation as an Antarctic leader is heavily reliant and supported by Hobart’s role as a gateway city, and the concentration of Antarctic activity that occurs here,” Cr Reynolds said before the event.
“Australia is committed to collaborating with other Antarctic Gateway Cities to advance the collective care and management of Antarctica.
“The City of Hobart wants to build our Antarctic sector and make it an even more significant part of our economy.
“With future investment we can take advantage of our location, history and our reputation and grow Hobart as a centre of Antarctic excellence, in science, logistics, specialised polar products, medicine, policy and international Antarctic diplomacy.
“We will be proudly promoting that our specialist Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) is number one for studying the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, we rank in the top 10 worldwide across various specialist fields including marine and freshwater biology, oceanography and fisheries and the University of Tasmania (UTAS) is also ranked number one for climate action.
“We are displaying new Antarctic Gateway City branding around the city and hosting a reception at Town Hall for delegates.
“This will provide an excellent opportunity for colleagues from other Antarctic gateway cities around the world to understand how important this sector is for Hobart.”
The city’s new Antarctic Gateway City branding was featured on banners around the city and Town Hall.
