Sir Peter Blake and Antarctica

Background

By international agreement, Antarctica is designated as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science. New Zealand has a long history of involvement dating back to early last century, and an important ongoing role in the region. New Zealand's responsibilities in Antarctica extend across thousands of square kilometres of the Antarctic continent, Ice-shelf, the Southern Ocean and sub-Antarctic Islands. These responsibilities are undertaken by Antarctica New Zealand.

Antarctica New Zealand's head office is at the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, which also houses the United States and Italian Antarctic programmes. New Zealand's centre for operations in Antarctica is Scott Base, which was established in 1957.

Under the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty and its Environmental Protocol, Antarctica (10 percent of the planet's land surface area) is the most heavily protected continent on earth. Antarctica New Zealand has an important role in managing and protecting the Antarctic environment. All scientific and other activities are carefully managed to minimise impacts and allow Antarctica to continue to be used for peaceful and scientific purposes, now and by future generations.

Environmental Programmes of Antarctica New Zealand

Environmental protection work is an important component of Antarctica New Zealand's responsibilities. Key environmental initiatives include: effective waste management systems and the clean-up of sites of past activity; high-quality environmental assessments of all activities including monitoring and reporting of environmental impacts; co-operative work with United States and Italian colleagues on protected area management; energy efficiency; and co-operation with the Antarctic Heritage Trust on the conservation of the Historic Huts.

Sir Peter Blake and Antarctica

Sir Peter Blake developed a love for the Southern Ocean and the Polar Regions during his six circumnavigations of the globe under sail. The wildlife enthralled him and the quality of the natural environment became his passion. During 2001, Sir Peter led an expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula where he eventually traveled further south than any sailing vessel before him.

Sir Peter recognised the significance of the Antarctic natural environment for all life, and became a strong advocate for its continued protection. As Sir Peter said ""this continent regulates weather patterns, ocean currents, climates and many other vital factors that  are imperative for our future good health. Everything in nature is linked. The more that people understand what  fits where and why, the better off we will all be. The more that everyone learns to appreciate the environment in all its forms the better off our children, and their children, will be."" He was appointed as a United Nations Environment Programme special envoy and took on a role as an ambassador for the Antarctic environment.

Sir Peter also strongly identified and admired the early Antarctic explorers such as Scott and Shackleton and had great respect for Sir Edmund Hillary, who pioneered New Zealand's permanent presence in Antarctica at Scott Base.