In a ceremony presided over by President Dina Boluarte, on November 19, the oceanographic vessel BAP “Carrasco” set sail from the Callao Naval Base, beginning the Thirty-First Peruvian Scientific Campaign to Antarctica – ANTAR XXXI, which will last 110 days.
The mission of the expedition is to develop a scientific research program in the fields of marine geology and physical and dynamic oceanography in the Bransfield Strait and surrounding seas; monitoring the variability of the coastal profile in Mackellar Inlet; as well as maintenance work at the Machu Picchu Antarctic Research Station.
In her speech, the Head of State said: “35 years ago, when we began our participation as a consultative party to the Antarctic Treaty, we did so guided by the principles of peace and cooperation established in this important agreement, principles aimed at safeguarding the present and future of the White Continent, and which the Government ratifies this morning.”
He added that these actions are in line with our foreign policy, which safeguards and promotes the interests and rights of Peru in this important region. “Our country, as a consultative party to the Antarctic Treaty, will continue to play a transcendental role in the future of Antarctica and our planet,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defense Walter Astudillo Chavez; Commander General of the Navy, Admiral Luis Polar Figari; civil and military authorities, and family members.
It should be noted that the navigation and execution of research programs are the responsibility of the Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation of the Peruvian Navy, an institution that, in this way, fulfills one of its strategic roles, which is to support the foreign policy of the State, which demonstrates the national interest in Antarctica and its commitment to achieving the objectives of the Antarctic Treaty.