on Thursday chaired the ceremony to start the 28th scientific expedition of Peru to Antarctica (ANTAR XXVIII).
At the event, the high-ranking official highlighted the work of the expert team for the benefit of humanity.
During the event held at Callao Naval Base, the Cabinet member reaffirmed Peru's interest and conviction regarding the principles and values that inspire the Antarctic Treaty.
"This scientific expedition materializes the (Peruvian) State's commitment to the consolidation of the active and permanent presence of Peru in the Antarctic continent, as well as to the promotion of scientific research in said space, as a contribution to the international effort to preserve this territory free of conflicts and protect its environment," he pointed out.
Likewise, the minister indicated that the Antarctic Treaty regimen currently faces challenges, such as the increase in human presence and global phenomena such as: climate change and pollution (including plastics and microplastics), which require global and regional responses immediately and effective that are consistent with international law.
Furthermore, Ambassador Maurtua argued that Antarctica is located on the southern tip of the Earth, where various countries share the challenges of a hostile environment, characterized by freezing temperatures, and where the implications of global warming are clearly proven.
"There are few places in the world where there have never been wars, where the environment is strongly preserved and where scientific research —terrestrial and marine— has priority —a continent that the Parties to the Antarctic Treaty call a: natural reserve, consecrated to peace and science," Ambassador Maurtua said.
He also highlighted the presence of the Armed Forces that provide essential support for the achievement of the Antarctic missions' objectives, and expressed his admiration for the expedition members who today set sail from the "Sea of Grau" to Antarctica —on a long journey that will last 76 days.