News & Events in Belarus

Lukashenko on research in Antarctica: Belarus needs this work

MINSK, 17 October (BelTA) – At the very beginning of the meeting with scientists and polar explorers on 17 October, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko explained why the research in Antarctica is so important, BelTA has learned.

“Our country needs this research. What practical results can we expect from it in the near future?” the Belarusian leader asked .

The head of state also asked about prospects of commercializing the presented technical solutions.

Aleksei Gaidashov, Deputy Head of the National Center for Polar Research and head of all Belarusian Antarctic expeditions, told the president that sophisticated devices are being tested in the unique conditions of Antarctica, many of which are better than foreign analogues, and some have no analogues in the world at all.

The head of state was shown a complex for recording geophysical signals, a MARS-B spectrometer, a submersible photometer, a solar spectral albedometer, a complex of mobile meteorological stations, a submersible bathyscaphe, a component base of a lidar and other equipment.

Aleksandr Lukashenko was also presented with minerals and components from Antarctica, samples of flora and fauna and other items obtained during polar research.

By decision of the president, in 2006 Belarus joined the Antarctic Treaty and since that time it has been actively involved in research in this region. About 70 scientific stations from 30 countries are located in Antarctica, including the Belarusian Antarctic station Mount Vechernyaya. Since 2006, Belarus has sent 16 expeditions to Antarctica. A total of 51 Belarusian scientists and specialists took part in them; 22 people participated in these expeditions two or more times.

The outcomes of the research conducted in Antarctica are unique and fundamentally important, since the processes occurring on this continent largely reflect the dynamics of climate change on the planet and affect the conservation of biodiversity.

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