Former Foreign Minister Soledad Alvear has issued an urgent call to establish a national agreement to unify Chile's stance regarding the Antarctic continent. The proposal seeks to safeguard the country's territorial claims ahead of the upcoming review of the Antarctic Treaty scheduled for 2048.
According to reports from latercera.com, Alvearr warns that any redefinition of the Washington Treaty could open dangerous avenues of debate regarding national sovereignty. The current agreement freezes territorial claims and prohibits extractive activities, focusing instead on scientific research and global peace.
The lawyer noted that while political discussions are legitimate, the country must avoid leaving a legacy that compromises Chilean interests in the decades to come. "Our Antarctic vocation must be practiced daily. Above all, it must be built upon a major national agreement that is an integral part of our national identity," Alvear stated in her column.
International leadership and resource protection
Alvear emphasized that Chile must prevent foreign powers from using the continent to promote agendas for natural resource exploitation. The former diplomat categorically opposed any incursions of mining or oil activities, such as fracking, in the region.
To strengthen Chile's presence, the proposal suggests a leadership model based on cooperation with countries holding similar territorial claims. Alvear proposes establishing a permanent dialogue with Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Uruguay, emulating the 'Valdivia Group' model of the 1990s.
Furthermore, she raised the need for a comparative dialogue with nations such as the United States and Canada regarding Arctic and Antarctic matters. The plan calls for the active participation of the Armed Forces, the Foreign Service, and the scientific expertise of the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH).
The former minister concluded that the country possesses the necessary experts and political class to face this challenge. "It is not too late, but we must come to the table. Hopefully, we can do so soon. Everyone, without exception," the professional stated.
