Peru carried out the 32nd Peruvian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ANTAR XXXII), the State's main annual deployment to the Antarctic continent during the austral summer.
This effort is part of a State policy aimed at strengthening scientific research, international cooperation, and environmental preservation, in line with the Antarctic Treaty System's principles.
ANTAR XXXII constitutes an inter-institutional effort that brings together the scientific, logistical, and operational capacities of various sectors from the Peruvian State.
This deployment ensures the continuity of Peruvian presence in Antarctica, as well as the development of research with national and international reach.
On December 19, the polar-capable oceanographic research vessel B.A.P. Carrasco departed from the Callao Naval Base, under the command of Navy Captain Carlos Holguin.
The vessel transported over 70 Peruvian and foreign expedition members. It also included the execution of more than 20 scientific research projects.
The departure ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Ernesto Alvarez and Foreign Affairs Minister Hugo de Zela. The diplomat reaffirmed the highest-level support for the country's Antarctic policy.
Peru has been a party to the Antarctic Treaty since 1981.
It attained Consultative Party status in 1989, after demonstrating a substantive interest through sustained scientific research, regular expeditions, and the establishment of permanent infrastructure.
Currently, the South American country has two strategic platforms supporting its Antarctic presence: the Machu Picchu Antarctic Scientific Station (ECAMP), located on King George Island, and the B.A.P. Carrasco, one of the most modern polar scientific platforms in the world.
As part of the development of ANTAR XXXII, and with the participation of the Foreign Affairs Ministry's Director General for Sovereignty, Borders, and Antarctic Affairs, Ambassador Librado Orozco, institutional follow-up activities were carried out in Antarctica.
These activities included visits to the Machu Picchu Antarctic Scientific Station (ECAMP) and to several foreign scientific bases on King George Island, contributing to the strengthening of international cooperation.
These actions reflect the Peruvian State's sustained commitment to a long-term Antarctic policy, as well as the essential role played by the Armed Forces in providing logistical and operational support for the expeditions.
It is an essential element in ensuring Peru's responsible, scientific, and peaceful presence on the Antarctic continent.