Australian Antarctic science strategy 2004-2011
Ice arch and snow petrels. |
This strategy for Australia's scientific research program in Antarctica, from 2004-05 to 2008-09 (extended to 2010-11), was designed to support the Australian Government's role in the Antarctic Treaty System and to enhance our influence in it. Environmental protection, knowledge of the part played by Antarctica in the global climate system, and an understanding of how biological organisms are adapted to the extreme environment and are reacting to change, were the main strategic foci for research.
Priority science programs
The 2004/05-2010/11 Antarctic scientific research program focused primarily on three multi-disciplinary priority programs:
Adélie penguins scurry along a drifting iceberg. |
Research linking biological diversity and physiological adaptation to an extreme environment was also encouraged. Australia's strong advocacy of an environmental protection annex to the Antarctic Treaty was reflected in a program of research that addressed human impacts upon Antarctica. The five year Antarctic science strategy included a fourth priority program:
