Norwegian Antarctic Research Expeditions (NARE)

The Norwegian Polar Institute has been appointed the national operator for Norwegian Antarctic research activities. From 1991 Norway has been part of the Nordic logistics cooperation, in which responsibility for the logistical arrangements circulates between the national operators of Finland, Sweden and Norway. NARE activities peak those years that Norway is responsible for the logistical arrangements, while smaller expeditions normally take place in the intervening years.

NARE logistical framework

The Troll Station, built at Jutulsessen in Dronning Maud Land in 1989/90, was the first Norwegian base established in Antarctica in 30 years. Troll is situated 1270 m.a.s.l. at 72°S, in a nunatak area 220 km from the ice shelf. In February 2005, Troll was upgraded to a year-round station. In addition to Troll, the Norwegian Polar Institute operates two small field stations: the Bouvetøya station (1990) on the sub-Antarctic island Bouvetøya and Tor station (1985) at the Svarthamaren Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Until now NARE operations have traditionally been based on ship transportation. However, NARE operations have entered a new era by the establishment of a 3000 m long blue-ice runway a few kilometres from the Troll station. The runway will operate on a regular basis from the 2004/05-season. A number of advantages for terrestrial research are foreseen; less travel time, longer seasons with more flexibility (i.e. possibilities for shorter field periods and exchange of personnel during the season) and fewer expenses.

Guidelines for visitors

The Norwegian Polar Institute has developed guidelines for visitors to Antarctica. The guidelines are based on the provisions of the Regulations Pertaining to the Protection of the Environment in Antarctica, but in no way replaces the legally-binding provisions of the Regulations.

Visitors Regulations

The Antarctic Treaty, which was put into effect in 1959, constitutes a legal framework for the management of Antarctica. In 1991, the Treaty Parties adopted an Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty. The Environmental Protocol is the most comprehensive international environmental agreement to be put into effect, and through it the parties commit themselves to the conservation of the Antarctic environment. The Protocol contains several important provisions:

• To minimize human impact on the Antarctic environment
• To prioritize scientific research
• To perform thorough environmental impact assessments for all planned activity
• To monitor human impact on the environment

Norway is committed to implementing the provisions of the Environmental Protocol through the adoption of the Norwegian Regulations Pertaining to the Protection of the Environment in Antarctica ( 5 May 1995 ). The Regulations apply to all Norwegian activity in Antarctica and contain provisions regarding advance notification, protection of flora and fauna, management of waste and pollution, protected and managed areas and search and rescue insurance.

Requirement to provide advance notice

Norwegian citizens planning to carry out activity in Antarctica must provide advance notice to the Norwegian Polar Institute at least one year before the intended start of the activity. The notice shall contain information as to who is responsible for the activity and regarding the scope of the activity, including an initial environmental evaluation, and the technology and measures that will be adopted to limit any harmful effects. Guarantee/insurance for search and rescue operations is required.

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