In 2004, the government of Belgium chose the International Polar Foundation, headed by Alain Hubert, to design and create a new research station in Antarctica to be operational during the current International Polar Year (2007-2008). The project was developed in cooperation with countries that signed the Antarctic Treaty, concluded in Washington, D.C. December 1, 1959, such as Japan, Sweden, Germany, and Norway. These countries have contributed their expertise in logistics and in various technical areas. Belgium has long been involved in Antarctic scientific activities. In 1897, the first Belgian expedition returned with a significant harvest of scientific information, including numerous botanical and zoological specimens and glacier and geological data.
Belgium returned to Antarctica 60 years later to build the Roi Baudoin scientific base. The new International Polar Year is taking place 50 years to the day from the creation of that station and that International Geophysical Year.
The new base, the Princess Elisabeth Antarctic research station, will house 20 persons for four months a year (November through February), and will be open to scientists from Europe and other continents. The base will be located between the Russian station Novolazarevska and the Japanese station Syowa, in the heart of Dronning Maude Land.
Target: “Zero emissions”
The International Polar Foundation will utilize the processes of sustainable development and construction in pursuit of the Foundation’s objectives: to educate and provide information on polar region research, climate change, and sustainable development. The Princess Elisabeth station will be the first to run entirely on renewable energy (solar and wind) and will recycle all waste. The choice of materials and technologies will be made in keeping with eco-construction principles to reduce the new base’s environmental impact.
Wastewater treatment methods will be studied to determine the best means to minimize contamination of the environment. Once built, the base will be maintained and operated by the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (BELSPO). The Office will develop the center’s scientific program and select its team of scientists. The International Polar Foundation will be involved as privileged partner, taking public relations responsibility for fundraising support and education.
The SUEZ Group wanted to associate itself with this project because of its conviction of the soundness of polar research as resource for understanding climate and environmental processes.
Through its support, the Group demonstrates its commitment favoring innovative, diverse solutions that are consistent with sustainable development.
Complementing its financial support, the Group is furnishing technical support and contributing expertise via its Laborelec research center.
Alain Hubert, committed explorer
Born September 11, 1953, Alain Hubert has more than one string to his bow. He is an explorer, civil engineer, mountain guide, author, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and Belgian environmentalist. In 1994, with Didier Goethghebuer, Hubert crossed from Ellesmere Island to the North Pole and in 1998, with Dixie Dansercoer, he traversed the Antarctic continent on foot using a wind kite.
During these polar explorations, he raised awareness of the impacts of climate change and mobilized opinion against global warming. In 2002, he co-founded the International Polar Foundation to attract attention to the importance of scientific data sourced from the two poles.
www.polarfoundation.org
