Antarctica and Southern Ocean Strategy (ASOS)

This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 106 No. 44293 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19 MARch 2021 DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR NO. 234 19 March 2021 forestry, fisheries and the environment Department Forestry. Fisheries and the Envirarr cril REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 19 MAART 2021 No. 44293 107 1 | P a g e Antarctica and Southern Ocean Strategy (ASOS) This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 108 No. 44293 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19 MARch 2021 1 - | P a g e Table of content Table of contents ............................................................................................................... - 1 Abbreviations ................................................................................................................... - 2 Figure legends .................................................................................................................. - 3 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 4 1.1 Overview .................................................................................................................. 4 1.2 The Antarctic context ................................................................................................... 5 1.3 Historic context .......................................................................................................... 5 1.4 The Antarctic Treaty system .......................................................................................... 7 2 SOUTH AFRICA’S NATIONAL ANTARCTICA PROGRAMME (SANAP) ..................................... 8 South African National Space Agency (SANSA) ........................................................................... 9 3. SOUTH AFRICA’S INVESTMENT AND FOOTPRINT IN ANTARCTICA, SUB-ANTARCTICA AND SOUTHERN OCEAN ........................................................................................................... 10 4. RATIONALE, VISION, GOAL AND STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FOR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN ANTARCTICA ................................................................................................................. 14 4.1 South Africa’s National Interests .................................................................................. 14 4.2 Vision ..................................................................................................................... 15 4.3 Goal ............................................................................................................................ 15 4.4 Values .................................................................................................................... 15 4.5 Pillars of the Antarctic Strategy .................................................................................... 16 4.6 Strategic objectives ................................................................................................... 16 5 GOVERNANCE AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS ................................................... 19 5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 19 5.2 The Antarctica and Southern Ocean Forum (ASOF) ......................................................... 20 5.3 The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Technical Committee (ASOTC) ..................................... 20 5.4 Long-term institutional considerations ............................................................................ 21 6 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ............................................................................................. 22 7 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................ 25 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 19 MAART 2021 No. 44293 109 2 - | P a g e Abbreviations ACAP Agreement of Conservation Albatrosses and Petrels ARC Agricultural Research Council ARCC Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre ASOF Antarctica and Southern Ocean Forum ASOS Antarctica and Southern Ocean Strategy ASOTC Antarctic and Southern Ocean Technical Committee ATA Antarctica Treaties Act ATS Antarctic Treaty System BRICS Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa CCAMLR Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources CCAS Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals CGS Council for Geoscience COMNAP Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs CSIR Council for Scientific and Industrial Research DEFF Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries DIRCO Department of International Relations and Cooperation DDMV Department of Defence and Military Veterans DOT Department of Transport DPWI Department of Public Works and Infrastructure DSI Department of Science and Innovation DROMLAN Dronning Maud Land Air Network Project HSRC Human Sciences Research Council MARS Marine and Antarctica Research Strategy MRC Medical Research Council MRCC Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre PEI Prince Edward Island SADC Southern African Development Community SANAP South Africa’s National Antarctica Programme SAMSA South African Maritime Safety Authority SANAE South African National Antarctic Expedition SANSA South African National Space Agency SAWS South African Weather Service SCAR Scientific Committee on Antarctica Research SOLAS Safety of Life at Sea This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 110 No. 44293 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19 MARch 2021 3 - | P a g e Figure legends Figure 1: Map depicting SA's geographic and historical contiguity with the Antarctic Continent .................... 7 Figure 2: Map depicting the geographic location of Antarctica ....................................................................... 9 Figure 3: Relative percentage representation at the ATS by continent. ....................................................... 10 Figure 4: Marine meteorological weather prediction and warnings for METAREA VII that SAWS is responsible for as per SOLAS Convention, and the geographic continuity. ................................................. 11 Figure 5: South African base on Marion Island, Southern Ocean ................................................................ 12 Figure 6: SA base SANAE IV in Dronning Maud Land ................................................................................. 13 Figure 7: SA base on Gough Island, Southern Ocean ................................................................................. 14 Figure 8: SA Research Vessel Agulhas II ..................................................................................................... 15 Figure 9: South Africa, African Union, the Antarctic Alliance and the Sub-Antarctic Alliance. ...................... 23 Figure 10: The Antarctica and Southern Ocean Forum (ASOF) ................................................................... 24 Figure 11: The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Technical Committee (ASOTC). .......................................... 25 Figure 11: Organisational Structure of the South African Antarctic Unit. ...................................................... 26 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 19 MAART 2021 No. 44293 111 4 | P a g e 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Overview As South Africa has progressed through her historic path of distinct socio-political phases, her involvement in Antarctica has been framed by the geo-political aspirations of the respective dominant powers. With the advent of the democratic New South Africa in 1994, the country’s policy and strategic thrust in all matters was reviewed. In relation to Antarctica, sub-Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, this has commenced with the formulation of the country’s first formal Antarctica and Southern Ocean Strategy (ASOS), henceforth referred to as the Strategy. The strategy starts by illustrating key aspects of South Africa’s context in relation to the Antarctic complex. The historical context takes us from our earliest engagement to the present time, in a democratic South Africa that requires a deliberate policy aimed at directing the country’s priorities. It then deals with the extent of South Africa’s investment in the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), including that made in the democratic era. To this day South Africa is the only African country active in Antarctica. The Strategy outlines South Africa’s strategic national interests, articulates a national vision for our engagement in Antarctica and the Southern Oceans, and describes specific national strategic objectives. An overarching goal statement links the vision, the objectives of the Antarctic Treaties Act (1996) and the objectives of this strategy. The objectives support the realisation of the vision and goal by providing the basis for conceiving and generating an implementable action plan. The strategy is responsive to and aligned with the sustainable development goals (SGDs), and the National Development Plan (NDP). The Sustainable Development Goals with strong linkages to the strategy include: • SDG13: Climate Action, • SDG14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources, and • SDG17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. The Strategy contributes to climate action under SDG13 by recognizing that Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are critically important parts of the global climate system. This highlights the need for actions that improve our understanding of their current state, role in regulating regional and global climate and sensitivity to change in response to climate adjustment. Such an understanding will support effective conservation efforts of both Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The Strategy contributes to SDG14 (conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources) by advancing the importance of ecological integrity in Antarctica and the Southern Oceans, and promoting the establishment of specially protected and managed areas that increase the ecological resilience to global warming, ocean acidification and climate change. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 112 No. 44293 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19 MARch 2021 5 | P a g e In respect of revitalising the global partnership for sustainable development (SDG 17), the Strategy seeks to position South Africa to constructively influence the global negotiations under the Antarctic Treaty system and pursue collaborative work with other parties. The Strategy also contributes to the Vision 2030 of the National Development Plan, for South Africa’s transition to an environmentally sustainable, climate-change resilient economy and society. It prioritises research on the role that Antarctica and the Southern Oceans play in the global climate system, and emphasises the importance of ongoing research to strengthen our predictive weather and climate capabilities, which is critical in the context of a rapidly changing climate. 1.2 The Antarctic context Antarctica is Earth’s southernmost continent. It contains the geographic South Pole and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean. It is the 5th largest continent and about 98% of it is covered by ice that averages 1.9 km in thickness. It is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, and has an average altitude of 2 000 metres (average for other continents is 700 metres). The average temperature is -49 oC at the South Pole; the average annual precipitation ranges from 2 mm to 200 mm along the coast (South Africa’s average is 464 mm); it is the windiest continent on the planet and wind speed along the coast can sometimes be as high as 100 to 200 km per hour. It is an extreme environment. Antarctica and the Southern Ocean play a significant role in the global climate system. The impact of the Southern Ocean in the global climate system is scaled by its uptake of 50% of the total ocean uptake of CO2 and 75% of the excess heat generated by anthropogenic CO2. It also provides the nutrients that support approximately 75% of global ocean primary productivity outside the Southern Ocean, some of which supports the rich fisheries around Southern Africa. It is therefore disproportionately important when it comes to buffering the global impacts of climate change. Regionally, the Southern Ocean also influences water security in SA by regulating water security through winter rainfall to the western and southern Cape as well as Gauteng through snow melt from the Drakensberg mountains. Antarctica is governed by parties to the Antarctica Treaty (AT) that have consultative (voting rights) status. Twelve countries including South Africa were the original signatories (1959), and another forty-two have since signed. The Treaty prohibits military activities and mineral mining, prohibits nuclear explosions and nuclear waste disposal, supports scientific research, and protects the continent’s environment. 1.3 Historic context In the period from the establishment of the Union of South Africa in 1910 up to the end of World War II, South Africa’s involvement in Antarctic matters was lethargic. The former British colonies had come together with the Boer republics to form the Union. Their respective attitudes towards British imperialism This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 19 MAART 2021 No. 44293 113 6 | P a g e were not reconciled. The Union, per se, was thus a reluctant British subject that was inclined to think its Antarctic involvement would advance British imperial exploration, discovery and annexation plans. At the time the area between 20° west and 45° east was considered as the “South African Sector” due to its geographic contiguity (Fig. 1). It is the area that corresponds with a polar projection towards the eastern and western coasts of South Africa (Figure 1). This area was annexed by Norway in 1939. In the period following the constitutional underpinning of Apartheid in 1948, South Africa’s development choices and actions would have been burdened by the country’s struggle to thwart her growing international isolation. The Antarctic Treaty system (ATS) was one of very few, if not the only multilateral formation in which South Africa was still a welcome participant. Only in 1959 did South Africa launch her first Antarctic Expedition. A further distinctive era spans the period from declaration of the Republic of South Africa in 1961 to the birth of the democratic South Africa in 1994. The year 1994 presented a milestone that accorded an opportunity to reflect on past experiences and be better able to formulate a policy approach that would be appropriate for the South African context. This era is characterised by the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and a raft of policy formulation processes under the new democratic dispensation on the one hand and the global re-alignments that have given rise to new multilateral alliances on the other. South Africa has therefore inherited a legacy of interest and participation in Antarctica matters from the British as well as an enthusiasm for participation by Apartheid South Africa, arising largely from international isolation. Figure 1: Map depicting SA's geographic and historical contiguity with the Antarctica Continent. South Atlantic tAmerica Ocean Madagasca '..... w a Wectden - , ck/by . i .r. ....r i . .t. , r, Oet,e42.» ,....'''' .. Antarctica 07,3-' 3" .' ' a , GO. 42 S,.. ' - '- - SOUTH Oces .0"), Th th - ef" : POLE 44. Ross 120' Pacific 'Sea - Ocean Tasmaniac... New Zealand Lf7 r Indian Ocean 60' ISO' This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 114 No. 44293 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19 MARch 2021 7 | P a g e 1.4 The Antarctic Treaty system The Antarctic Treaty, herein after referred to as the Treaty, was signed in 1959 by the twelve countries, including South Africa, whose scientists had been active in and around Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year of 1957-1958. It entered into force in 1961 and has since been acceded to by many other nations. The Antarctic Treaty system (ATS) is the whole complex of arrangements made for the purpose of coordinating relations among states with respect to Antarctica and Southern Ocean science cooperation and management. Included are the Antarctic Treaty itself, the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (CCAS), Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), and Scientific Committee on Antarctica Research (SCAR). The primary purpose of the Antarctic Treaty is to ensure, “in the interests of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord”. To this end it prohibits “any measures of a military nature” but does “not prevent the use of military personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any other peaceful purpose”. The Treaty provides for “freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica, promote[s] international cooperation in scientific investigation in Antarctica”, encourages “the establishment of cooperative working relations with those Specialized Agencies of the United Nations and other international organizations having a scientific or technical interest in Antarctica”, prohibits “any nuclear explosions in Antarctica and the disposal there of radioactive waste material” and provides for detailed exchanges of information. South Africa is fully committed to the Antarctic Treaty and supports also the prohibition by Article IV of asserting existing or new claims to territorial sovereignty. In addition, South Africa believes that Antarctica should belong to human kind and should never be apportioned to parties that happened to have been able to reach the continent before others. Further, South Africa supports the ban on mining as elaborated in the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. The Antarctic Treaty is applicable to the land and marine area south of 60oS Latitude (Figure 2). The Prince Edward Islands (PEIs), consisting of Marion and Prince Edward island, is a South African territory, and in this document will only be discussed in line with South Africa’s interest in sub Antarctica and Southern Ocean. Continental Representation 14,8 53,7 1,9 Africa Asia Central America Europe North America Oceania South America This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 19 MAART 2021 No. 44293 115 8 | P a g e The Antarctic Treaty has membership of 54 countries representing the majority of the continents, dominated by Europe, Asia and South America; and South Africa is the only member Party from the African continent (Error! Reference source not found.). This provides an opportunity for South Africa to also represent the African and developing world interests. In addition, there has been an increase in number of parties acceding to the Treaty, and many of the Parties have since defined or redefined their strategic interest within the Antarctic Treaty System and expanded their footprint through establishment of additional research bases throughout strategic areas within the continent. 2 SOUTH AFRICA’S NATIONAL ANTARCTICA PROGRAMME (SANAP) The Department of the Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has been entrusted with the responsibility to lead South Africa’s involvement in Antarctica and Southern Oceans matters through the Antarctica Treaties Act (ATA, 1996). In executing that task, DEFF works closely with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), the Department of Transport (DOT) and the Department of Defence and Military Veterans (DODMV). SANAP comprises of four main elements, viz: (1) policy-management led by DEFF, (2) research, and long term monitoring led by DSI and DEFF respectively; (3) logistical support and provision of infrastructure for research, e.g. SA Agulhas II, Ied by DEFF, and (4) maintenance of infrastructure, including research bases and equipment, led by DPWI. In addition, the Department of Transport (DoT, South African Maritime Safety Authority, SAMSA) provide Search and Rescue services. The Department of Defense and Military Veterans (DODMV) provides medical, food, and driver services. Other key government agencies that are involved in SANAP include the National Research Foundation (NRF), the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South African Weather Service (SAWS), and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). Figure 2: Map depicting the geographic location of Antarctica and the Prince Edward Islands Figure 3: Relative percentage representation at the ATS by continent. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 116 No. 44293 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19 MARch 2021 9 | P a g e National Research Foundation (NRF) The National Research Foundation is the intermediary agency between the policies and strategies of the Government of South Africa and South Africa's research institutions. It was established on 1 April 1999 as an autonomous statutory body in accordance with the National Research Foundation Act. The mandate of the NRF is to promote and support research through funding, human resource development and the provision of the necessary research facilities in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including indigenous knowledge, and thereby contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of all South Africans. South African National Space Agency (SANSA) SANSA is an Agency of DSI and its presence in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean aims to improve the understanding of space physics, with emphasis on space weather. The South Pole (Antarctica) conditions and position on the earth allows for an excellent location for space physics observations. SANSA is host to the only Space Weather Regional Warning Centre in Africa. The Space Weather Centre provides an important service to the nation by monitoring the sun and its activity to provide information, early warnings and forecasts on space weather conditions. The space weather products and services are required primarily for communication and navigation systems, in the defence, aeronautics (airplanes), navigation and communication sectors. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) The CSIR is South Africa's national research organization established in terms of the Scientific Research Council Act, 1988 of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. It’s a national leader in directed science and technology. With DSI support CSIR pioneered the studies aimed at understanding and predicting the role and sensitivity of the Southern Ocean to climate change through its changing carbon cycle. South African Weather Service (SAWS) The SAWS has a mandate to provide weather and climate related data. It has a weather station at SANAE IV that contributes to global numerical weather prediction and climate change models. In addition, the SAWS has a mandate to provide marine meteorological weather prediction to all vessels in the ocean adjacent to South Africa up to the Antarctic shelf (Metarea VII) (Figure 4). Figure 4: Marine meteorological weather prediction and warnings for METAREA VII that SAWS is responsible for as per SOLAS Convention, and the geographic continuity. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 19 MAART 2021 No. 44293 117 10 | P a g e South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) SAMSA is an Agency of DoT, which is responsible for ensuring safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the marine environment. SAMSA is therefore responsible for MRCC operations and its responsibility is maritime Search and Rescue in the area of southern ocean and Antarctica adjacent to South African mainland. Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) The ARCC is an Agency of DoT. It has a mandate of aeronautical Search and Rescue over South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland. 3. SOUTH AFRICA’S INVESTMENT AND FOOTPRINT IN ANTARCTICA, SUB-ANTARCTICA AND SOUTHERN OCEAN This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 118 No. 44293 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19 MARch 2021 11 | P a g e South Africa’s first formal and official venture into the Southern Ocean and sub-Antarctic was in January 1949 to annex the Prince Edward Islands. The first scientific expedition to the PEIs was in 1965 and the infrastructure on the Island was expanded to accommodate bigger overwintering teams. The weather station was replaced by a modern consolidated structure commissioned at a cost of about R280m in 2011 (Figure 5). This allowed for an increase in the number of researchers/scientists that could overwinter there and drew increasing international interest. Annual supply and relief voyages to the Islands were carried out and are still continuing uninterrupted today. The first South Africa Antarctic expedition left Cape Town in January 1960 on a Norwegian vessel, Polarbjorn. It overwintered in a Norwegian base that was later donated to South Africa for her own use. The first South African built Antarctic base, a wooden structure, SANAE I, was a Meteorological research station constructed in 1961/62. This base was replaced in 1971 by SANAE II consisting of a number of interconnected timber buildings. The third Antarctic base SANAE III, was built on the ice shelf in 1979, and consisted of corrugated steel buildings with connecting corridors. The accumulation of snow at the coast and ice shelf resulted in the bases being buried under the snow within two years. The adverse climatic conditions necessitated the construction of a new base every 5-10 years. This prompted a decision to move inland and build SANAE IV about 200 km from the coast on exposed rock. The base was commissioned in 1997 at a cost of R85m. The base (Figure 6) has been refurbished at a cost of about R300m. South Africa not only maintained an uninterrupted presence in the Antarctic since 1960 but played an active role in the conservation and sustainable use of the vast continent and contributed to the pool of scientific knowledge. Figure 5: South African base on Marion Island, Southern Ocean Figure 6: SA base SANAE IV in Dronning Maud Land +v This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 19 MAART 2021 No. 44293 119 12 | P a g e Gough Island, a British territory to the southwest of South Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, is strategic for South Africa’s weather observations and forecasting. A lease agreement for the island was concluded with Britain in 1956, following which South Africa established a weather station (Figure 7). Weather stations that provide a long history of weather observations are particularly valuable as they facilitate historical reference and provide insight into change. Having operated the Gough Island weather station since 1956, the South African Weather Service is the custodian of a long-term dataset, which contains high quality weather observations in the ocean region to the southwest of South Africa. These datasets provide invaluable data to improve the accuracy of our global and regional weather forecast models. The supply and relief voyages to the three bases were initially carried out by an ice strengthened supply ship (RSA). This was replaced in 1980 by the ship SA Agulhas which was a significant investment in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean activities. The vessel had atmospheric, meteorological and oceanographic research capabilities. For 34 years she serviced the bases and carried out research in the Southern Ocean, serving as a platform for multi-national research expeditions on several occasions. The SA Agulhas was replaced in 2012 by the SA Agulhas II (Figure 8). This R1.7 billion vessel combined its supply and research roles with ice breaking capabilities in a unique way. In addition, the SANAP Funding Instrument makes available a total amount of approximately R100 million per annum to conduct research in the ASO region. The instrument is a region-specific, theme driven funding instrument which supports research in the Southern Ocean, including the Prince Edward Islands, and in Antarctica. As a competitive funding instrument, the chief eligibility criteria are: • Research in the geographic region of the Southern Ocean, including the Prince Edward Islands, and / or in Antarctica • Alignment with the research themes as detailed in the South African Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research Plan (2014-2024) • Scientific merit and quality of the research proposal • Evidence of associated human capacity development. As a way of assessing South Africa’s footprint, its input as in number of bases, vessels, aircraft deployed, overwintering personnel, scientists carrying out research during the Figure 8: SA Research Vessel Agulhas II Figure 7: SA base on Gough Island, Southern Ocean This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 120 No. 44293 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19 MARch 2021 13 | P a g e summer, were considered and assessed against the output, in the form of knowledge production (research papers) and influence on Antarctica matters. Although direct comparisons of programmes are very difficult because of the differences in configurations of National Antarctic Programmes, it is obvious that the foot print of SANAP is modest compared to that of other original signatories as well as that of more recent signatories. As outlined in the Marine and Antarctic Research Strategy (2016) led by the then Department of Science and Technology, it is South Africa’s ambition to maximise the benefit of our strategic geographic advantage for the production of world class oceans, Antarctic and climate change research. Key outputs of South Africa’s National Antarctic Programme are summarised below. The SA Agulhas II Polar Research vessel (Figure 8) sails to all the research bases (Figures 6-8) transporting scientists from DEFF, various tertiary Institutions and research agencies that have approved scientific projects as part of the three main relief voyages. The relief voyages are as follows: 1. Marion Island relief voyage departs in April and returns in May, sailing for approximately four (4) days. The Marion Island Relief Voyage includes a full list of ship-based scientific activities including biological, biogeochemistry, zooplankton, chemical and physical oceanography as well as benthic biodiversity. While on-board, research includes use of high definition cameras and videos to monitor benthic biodiversity communities and seabed habitats. In addition, sophisticated equipment is used to determine the salt and heat content of seawater as deep as 5000 metres around the Marion Island marine protected area (MPA). 2. Gough Island relief voyage departs in September and returns in October, sailing for approximately four (4) days. The weather station has been operated by the South Africa Weather Service (SAWS) since 1956 at Gough Island. The SAWS is the custodian of a long-term dataset, which contains high quality weather observations in the ocean region to the southwest of South Africa. These datasets are key to improving the accuracy of our global and regional weather forecast models. 3. Antarctic SANAE IV summer voyage departs in December and returns in February of the following year, sailing for approximately 10 days. SANAE’s research is divided into four programmes, namely: (1) Physical sciences, (2) Earth sciences, (3) Life sciences, and (4) Oceanographic sciences. Only the physical sciences programme is conducted year-round at SANAE IV. The other programmes are conducted during the short summer period when the temperatures and weather permits fieldwork and the extent of the sea ice is at its minimum. In recent years, the SA Agulhas II Polar Research vessel schedule has increased to include additional voyages dedicated to research, namely: 1. Southern Ocean (SEAmester) Experiment for 11 days in July. Approximately 40 students from various universities across South Africa set sail from Cape Town, on-board the S.A. Agulhas II. The voyage travels up the coast to Port Elizabeth where the vessel turns into the deeper oceans in order to travel along the Agulhas System Climate Array (ASCA) line. The line plots its course at certain intervals, where conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD) tests are done, in order to get a better understanding of the Agulhas Current. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 19 MAART 2021 No. 44293 121 14 | P a g e 2. Annual Winter Voyage for 3 weeks in July. Winter voyages to the SO highlight seasonal bias and necessity for going there in winter, e.g. sea ice formation / biogeochemical reset for coming summer / glider deployments for seasonal coverage, etc. The winter voyage is an interdisciplinary experiment that spans seasonal to decadal time scales in the southeast Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. The study is aiming at advancing understanding of climate sensitivity of the Southern Ocean. 3. SCALE Programme: It encompasses the 2019 spring and summer cruises by multi-institutional and national organisations focussing on, among others physics, sea-ice, waves, robotics, chemistry, plastics, and birds. The project is a novel interdisciplinary experiment that spans seasonal to decadal time scales in the southeast Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. These contribute to both long-term and experimental observations towards a greater understanding of the role of fine scale dynamics in shaping the phasing and magnitude of the Southern Ocean seasonal cycle through novel integrated ship and robotics experiments. 4. RATIONALE, VISION, GOAL AND STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FOR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN ANTARCTICA 4.1 South Africa’s National Interests South Africa’s national interest for continued investment and participation in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean is informed by the following: 4.1.1 South Africa is one of the original 12 signatories to the Antarctic Treaty (1949), and therefore has a responsibility to uphold and influence the evolution of the legal and institutional frameworks of the Antarctic Treaty System. Additionally, South Africa has custodial responsibilities arising out of her stewardship of the Antarctic environment as well as her presence in the contiguous Queen Maud Land and the Southern Ocean. 4.1.2 South Africa’s geographic positioning and proximity to Antarctica calls for a vibrant Antarctic sector that serves economic interests, scientific endeavour and environmental management. Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are endowed with unique marine and terrestrial resources that can be sustainably utilised to address food security, health, energy and biotechnology needs. South Africa’s proximity to Antarctica also presents an opportunity to serve as a gateway to the continent. At present, there are ten other Antarctic National Programmes (Figure 9) that launch their Antarctica and island expeditions from South Africa. 4.1.3 Antarctica and the Southern Ocean play a definitive role in the weather and climate patterns world wide. South Africa is well positioned to play a leading role in Southern Ocean and Antarctic science and opportunities exist for research into a number of pressing questions in the physical, biological, oceanographic and geological sciences. In addition, South Africa is well placed to contribute to the global research effort on the impact of climate change on Antarctica and the Southern Oceans. In mitigating the potential risks of a changing climate to fisheries, agriculture, This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 122 No. 44293 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19 MARch 2021 15 | P a g e food security as well as potential threats to the built environment and safety of life, South Africa has a direct interest in strengthening our predictive weather and climate capabilities, in particular to anticipate extreme weather events such as drought, floods and storm surges. 4.1.4 In relation to scientific endeavour and environmental management, Antarctica and Southern Ocean environments are special outdoor laboratories used to study and understand natural processes, e.g. a reference point against which the rate and effects of climate change and global warming can be measured. This presents an opportunity to conduct research of disparate phenomena in various disciplines, including space science, health, meteorology, oceanography, marine resources management, glaciology, geology, agriculture and research of various engineering disciplines. Such research should be conducted leveraging South Africa’s collaborative platforms, especially with the nations of the 10 country Antarctic programmes already mentioned. 4.2 Vision Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are understood, valued, and protected in the interest of South Africa, Africa and the world 4.3 Goal To provide for the effective coordination and implementation of the Antarctic Treaty system provisions in South Africa relating to research, conservation, sustainable resource use and environmental management; and in support of the African agenda 4.4 Values Values or guiding principles serve as a moral compass in steering the national interests in our activities in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean matters for the benefit of the country, Africa and the global community. Who we are: a) We recognise that we are embedded in the context of, and are an essential component of the African continent; Our attitude towards what we do: a) We cherish cross-sectoral collaboration and governance; b) We are aspirational, brave and ambitious; c) We value collaborative ventures with other nations; d) We treasure capacity development How we do it: a) We serve with integrity; This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 19 MAART 2021 No. 44293 123 16 | P a g e b) We pursue continuous improvement; c) We care. 4.5 Pillars of the Antarctic Strategy There are 5 pillars or strategic thrusts that create the structure of the Antarctic Strategy. These are: 4.5.1 International engagements and cooperation Optimise international engagements and cooperation within the Antarctic Treaty system. Assemble world class and multi-disciplinary teams to take on complex research and management issues in order to share the costs of science and logistics. 4.5.2 Research Improve understanding of: • the past and current state of Antarctica and surrounding oceans and islands, its natural and physical resources, • significance and implications of the role of Antarctica in global change, changing climate systems and weather patterns, including drought dynamics in southern Africa, and • potential role of genetic resources in developing future biomaterials. 4.5.3 Conservation and sustainable use Promote conservation and sustainable use of marine and terrestrial biodiversity in Antarctica and Southern Oceans. South Africa will advocate for the evidence-based conservation management approach. 4.5.4 Capacity development and training Facilitate the up-skilling of researchers and expose them to new and different approaches in support of national and regional socio-economic development. 4.5.5 People Enhance public awareness and interest in Antarctica and Southern Ocean matters to mobilise public interest and support for continued SAs involvement in Antarctica matters. 4.6 Strategic objectives South Africa’s strategic objectives in Antarctica and Southern Ocean are underpinned by national interest and the 5 pillars to this strategy. Herewith below are the objectives and sub-objectives. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 124 No. 44293 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19 MARch 2021 17 | P a g e 4.6.1 To strengthen South Africa’s positioning, role and influence in the Antarctic Treaty through: 4.6.1.1 Maximising visibility and assertiveness, and advancing the African agenda in negotiation processes of the Antarctic Treaty system 4.6.1.2 Establishing and maintain effective geopolitical alliances, including through pursuing regional cooperation on Antarctic activities within the African continent (through the African Union, Figure 9); and leverage relationships and opportunities within the BRICS community 4.6.1.3 Evaluating and implement institutional reforms to enhance efficiency 4.6.1.4 Advocating for equitable access to and benefit sharing of marine resources of Antarctica and Southern Ocean 4.6.1.5 Utilising the advantage of being an Antarctic and Southern Ocean gateway by: leveraging partnership and collaboration with countries within the Dronning Maud Land (DROMLAN) region of Antarctica (Figure 9); strengthen partnership and collaboration with neighbours in the sub-Antarctic (France, Norway, United Kingdom and Australia); and use these alliances to advance the South African national agenda, and to generate interest in Africa and other developing nations. 4.6.2 To optimise use of South Africa’s strategic positioning to advance world class scientific research that is responsive to relevant national strategic imperatives; and has both regional and global reach, in line with the Marine and Antarctic Strategy (2016) 4.6.2.1 Strengthen forward-looking scientific marine and terrestrial research that is directed at national and regional priorities, adopts multi-disciplinary and integrated approaches; and is aimed at generating projections and predictions 4.6.2.2 Strengthen forward looking integrated ocean – ice – terrestrial climate and ecosystem research in order to improve regional and global climate projections needed for resilience to support food, health, water security and biodiversity 4.6.2.3 Strengthen engineering and technological innovation across all domains of autonomous observations, sensors, ship design, base design, sustainable energy, specialized materials, genomics and biotech 4.6.2.4 Conduct research on living marine resource use, to optimise sustainable utilisation and fisheries management 4.6.2.5 Expand the scope of Antarctic and Southern Ocean research beyond traditional sectors to include applied and emerging sectors 4.6.2.6 Optimise science support and logistics gateway services for countries active in Antarctica; and 4.6.2.7 Co-operate with relevant departments and institutions in advancing co-ordinated governance for Antarctic and Southern Ocean research activities. 4.6.3 To promote Integrated ocean – ice – terrestrial system protected areas 4.6.3.1 Develop and implement relevant policy to advance the special nature and ecological integrity of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean 4.6.3.2 Prioritise and undertake long-term research to study and monitor trends and changes in species and ecosystems to inform management 4.6.3.3 Support the establishment of specially managed and protected areas 4.6.3.4 Undertake research to understand the impact of human activities in Antarctica to inform management interventions This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 19 MAART 2021 No. 44293 125 18 | P a g e 4.6.3.5 Co-operate with relevant parties in advancing co-ordinated governance for Antarctic and Southern Ocean management 4.6.4 To enhance public awareness and interest in Antarctica and Southern Ocean matters Antarctica and the Southern Ocean need to be recognised and appreciated by South Africa’s scientists, policy makers and the general public, owing to their uniqueness and geographic proximity. Our public awareness programmes and initiatives will include the following sub objectives: 4.6.4.1 Establish the Antarctic Centre and Precinct 4.6.4.2 Establish the Antarctic community and Logistics Network for all Antarctica gateway related enquiries 4.6.4.3 Strengthen the Antarctic outreach program 4.6.4.4 Enhance the SANAP brand and profile 4.6.4.5 Facilitate the mainstreaming of Antarctic Education and Research Programmes in higher education institutions 4.6.5 To plan, provide and maintain infrastructure for operations in Antarctica and Southern Ocean The primary focus for the provision and utilisation of South Africa’s Antarctic and Southern Ocean infrastructure is to ensure that it is fit for purpose, supports our geopolitical, custodianship and research responsibilities, and it meets the necessary safety standards. This objective will be attained through the following sub-objectives: 4.6.5.1 Improve infrastructure functioning to optimise operations 4.6.5.2 Strengthen partnerships to support the provision of infrastructure that will cater for the expansion of South Africa’s National Antarctic Programme, thus emphasizing South Africa’s commitment to sustainable polar research and cooperation 4.6.5.3 Promote infrastructural development that will enhance participation of the African continent in Antarctic activities, in line with the objectives of the Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050) Netherlands T United Kingdom Norway vavet-teelliw-"" Dromlan Countries and Sub-Antarctic Neighbours Country 1 Gough Island United Kingdom 2 Bouvet Island Norway 3 Marion and Prince Edward Islands South Africa 4 Crozet Island France S Kerguelen Island France 6 McDonald and Heard Islands Australia 't Belgium Japan a. d ..7 ein Gough Island Bouvet Island South Africa Marion and Prince Edward Islands Crozet Islands 1 1 Kerguelen blonds I I Heard Island and McDonald Islands II Legend !South Atrita Antarctica Alliance LSub-Antarctica Aliante African Union This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 126 No. 44293 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19 MARch 2021 19 | P a g e 5 G O V E R N A N C E A N D I N S TITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS 5.1 Introduction The activities in Antarctica are difficult, and are undertaken in a highly variable, unpredictable and dangerous environment. Institutional structures that support the Antarctica and Southern Oceans program must therefore be both decisive and flexible and must have full understanding of the dependencies among sectors that are operating in that environment. The strategy acknowledges the SANAP Expert Review Report of 2007 commissioned by the DSI which highlighted the need to establish coherent and transparent governance structures (e.g. Forum, Science Committee, etc.) to maximise the efficiencies and to realise opportunities. The proposed governance structures for effective coordination and cooperation among the responsible South African government departments and with key stakeholders is of paramount importance, and the structures are: • The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Forum • The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Technical Committee. Figure 9: South Africa, African Union, the Antarctic Alliance, the Sub-Antarctic Alliance and the Dronning Maud Land (DROMLAN) countries. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 19 MAART 2021 No. 44293 127 20 | P a g e DEFF Chair DSI DIRCO DARDLR DOT DODMV DPWI Figure 10: The Antarctica and Southern Ocean Forum (ASOF) 5.2 The Antarctica and Southern Ocean Forum (ASOF) As the focal point for the implementation of the Antarctica Treaties Act, it is proposed that the DEFF Director General chairs the Antarctica and Southern Ocean Forum (ASOF) (Figure 10). The Forum would provide policy guidance to SANAP, and evaluate the performance of SANAP. The Forum would meet twice a year. Departments will be represented by their Head of Department and relavent Deputy-Director General or delegated official. 5.3 The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Technical Committee (ASOTC) Science is a major activity in Antarctic work. It is proposed that an Antarctica and Southern Ocean Technical Committee (ASOTC), drawn from participating Agencies as well as those that have the potential to participate meaningfully in future, be created (Figure 11). The major purpose of the Committee is to interpret policy guidance from the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Forum and determine research priorities and specific research questions per sector priorities. It is proposed that this committee, would be chaired by the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology, and consist of Heads of Science Agencies and a representative of higher education Institutions. Agencies would include the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), South African Weather Service (SAWS), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Medical DSI / NRF Chair SANSA CSIR HSRC DHET CGS MRC DEFF ARC Figure 11: The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Technical Committee (ASOTC). Printed by and obtainable from the Government Printer, Bosman Street, Private Bag X85, Pretoria, 0001 Contact Centre Tel: 012-748 6200. eMail: info.egazette@gpw.gov.za Publications: Tel: (012) 748 6053, 748 6061, 748 6065 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 128 No. 44293 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19 MARch 2021 cONTINUES ON PAGE 130 OF BOOK 2 No. 10177Regulation Gazette Regulasiekoerant N.B. The Government Printing Works will not be held responsible for the quality of “Hard Copies” or “Electronic Files” submitted for publication purposes AIDS HELPLINE: 0800-0123-22 Prevention is the cure Government Gazette Staatskoerant R E P U B L I C O F S O U T H A F R I CA R E P U B L I E K VA N S U I D A F R I K A Vol. 669 19 March Maart No. 442932021 Part 2 of 3 9 7 7 1 6 8 2 5 8 4 0 0 3 4 4 2 9 3 ISSN 1682-5845 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 130 No. 44293 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19 MARch 2021 21 | P a g e Research Council (MRC), Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Council for Geoscience (CGS), and DEFF. The Head of the Research Council or delegated official will represent research Council, and the Heads of Research (i.e. Chief Directors) or delegated official will represent government departments. 5.4 Long-term institutional considerations The 2007 Expert Review Panel Report of SANAP commissioned by the then DST (now DSI) noted the concern regarding the fragmentation in SANAP, and highlighted the need to establish a coherent and transparent governance structure in the future. The consolidated, coherent and transparent governance structure and institutional arrangements would help to maximise efficiencies, realise new opportunities, and enhance South Africa’s global profile and return on investment in Antarctica and Southern Oceans. The above-suggested institutional arrangements will serve to respond to this recommendation, and further assessments and engagements will be carried out in order to find optimal institutional arrangements for the work in Antarctica and Southern Ocean. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 19 MAART 2021 No. 44293 131 22 | P a g e 6 IM PL EM EN TA TI ON P LA N Ob jec tiv e Su b ob jec tiv e Ye ar By w ho m Bu dg et 1 2 3 4 5 To st re ng th en S ou th Af ric a’s p os itio nin g, ro le an d inf lue nc e in th e An ta rc tic T re at y M ax im ise vi sib ilit y a nd as se rti ve ne ss , a nd ad va nc e th e Af ric an ag en da in n eg ot iat ion pr oc es se s o f t he An ta rc tic T re at y s ys te m Pr ep ar e an d pr es en t p os itio n sta te m en ts in lin e wi th is su es dis cu ss ed a t t he An ta rc tic T re at y Co ns ult at ive M ee tin g (A TC M ) Pr ep ar e an d pr es en t p os itio n sta te m en ts in lin e wi th is su es dis cu ss ed a t t he AT CM Pr ep ar e an d pr es en t p os itio n sta te m en ts in lin e wi th is su es dis cu ss ed a t t he AT CM Pr ep ar e an d pr es en t p os itio n sta te m en ts in lin e wi th is su es dis cu ss ed a t t he AT CM Pr ep ar e an d pr es en t p os itio n sta te m en ts in lin e wi th is su es dis cu ss ed a t t he AT CM DE FF / DI RC O / D SI Ev alu at e an d im ple m en t in sti tu tio na l re fo rm s t o en ha nc e co or din at ion a nd ef fic ien cy Es ta bli sh m en t o f th e An ta rc tic a an d So ut he rn O ce an Fo ru m (A SO F) Es ta bli sh m en t o f th e An ta rc tic an d So ut he rn Oc ea n Te ch nic al Co m m itte e (A SO TC ) Bi en nia l A SO F an d AS OT C M an ag em en t M ee tin gs Bi en nia l A SO F an d AS OT C M an ag em en t M ee tin gs Bi en nia l A SO F an d AS OT C M an ag em en t M ee tin gs DE FF / DS I / NR F / D PW I Co m m iss ion ins titu tio na l re vie w fo r t he SA NA P In sti tu te re fo rm s to im pr ov e SA NA P log ist ica l ef fic ien cy In sti tu tio na l re vie w re po rt St ak eh old er en ga ge m en ts In itia te im ple m en ta tio n of th e re co m m en da tio ns of th e ins titu tio na l re vie w re po rt DE FF / DS I / NR F Ut ilis e th e ad va nt ag e of be ing a n An ta rc tic a nd So ut he rn O ce an ga te wa y St ak eh old er en ga ge m en ts to im pr ov e se rv ici ng of n at ion s de pa rti ng fr om Ca pe T ow n De ve lop a nd sig n m em or an da of u nd er sta nd ing wi th m em be rs o f th e Dr on nin g M au d La nd a nd Su b An ta rc tic ne igh bo ur s De ve lop a nd im ple m en t ou tre ac h po rtf oli o to inc re as e th e nu m be r o f na tio ns de pa rti ng fr om Ca pe T ow n St ak eh old er en ga ge m en ts to inc re as e th e nu m be r o f na tio ns de pa rti ng fr om Ca pe T ow n DE FF / Co CT / DH A This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 132 No. 44293 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19 MARch 2021 23 | P a g e To o pt im ise u se o f So ut h Af ric a’s st ra te gic po sit ion ing to a dv an ce wo rld cl as s s cie nt ific re se ar ch th at is re sp on siv e to re lev an t na tio na l s tra te gic im pe ra tiv es ; a nd h as bo th re gio na l a nd g lob al re ac h, in lin e wi th th e M ar ine a nd A nt ar cti c St ra te gy (2 01 6) Pu bli ca tio n of p ee r re vie we d pu bli ca tio ns by S ou th A fri ca n an d Af ric an sc ien tis ts on An ta rc tic a nd S ou th er n Oc ea n sc ien ce , in h igh im pa ct jou rn als In cr ea se n um be r of p ee r r ev iew ed pu bli ca tio ns b y So ut h Af ric an a nd Af ric an sc ien tis ts Nu m be r o f pu bli ca tio ns inc re as ed Nu m be r o f pu bli ca tio ns inc re as ed Nu m be r o f pu bli ca tio ns inc re as ed Nu m be r o f pu bli ca tio ns inc re as ed DS I Lo ng te rm re se ar ch pr og ra m (t op p re da to rs ) Al ba tro ss lo ng te rm m on ito rin g es ta bli sh ed An ta rc tic pe ng uin lo ng te rm m on ito rin g es ta bli sh ed W ha le lon g te rm m on ito rin g es ta bli sh ed DE FF / DS I Ex pa nd A nt ar cti c a nd So ut he rn O ce an re se ar ch sc op e be yo nd tr ad itio na l se cto rs to in clu de ap pli ed a nd e m er gin g se cto rs St ak eh old er en ga ge m en t t o fa cil ita te es ta bli sh m en t o f re se ar ch p ro gr am s in th e ne w ide nt ifie d fie lds St ak eh old er en ga ge m en t t o fa cil ita te es ta bli sh m en t o f re se ar ch pr og ra m s i n th e ne w ide nt ifie d fie lds Ex tre m op hil es an d Ge no m ics Pr og ra m s ini tia te d He alt h an d So cia l R es ea rc h Pr og ra m s ini tia te d Gl ac iol og y (D ro ug ht dy na m ics ) re se ar ch p ro gr am ini tia te d AS OT C / DE FF To p ro m ot e an d m ain ta in th e sp ec ial na tu re a nd e co log ica l int eg rit y o f A nt ar cti ca an d th e So ut he rn Oc ea n De ve lop a nd im ple m en t re lev an t p oli cy to ad va nc e sp ec ial n at ur e an d ec olo gic al int eg rit y of A nt ar cti ca a nd th e So ut he rn O ce an In itia te de ve lop m en t o f An ta rc tic T re at ies Ac t R eg ula tio ns Fi na lis e de ve lop m en t o f An ta rc tic Tr ea tie s A ct Re gu lat ion s Im ple m en t An ta rc tic T re at ies Ac t R eg ula tio ns DE FF / DI RC O In itia te am en dm en ts to th e An ta rc tic Tr ea tie s A ct Fi na lis e de ve lop m en t An ta rc tic T re at ies Ac t a m en dm en ts DE FF / DI RC O / D SI / D PW I This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 19 MAART 2021 No. 44293 133 24 | P a g e To e nh an ce p ub lic aw ar en es s a nd in te re st in An ta rc tic a an d So ut he rn O ce an m at te rs Es ta bli sh th e An ta rc tic Ce nt re a nd P re cin ct Sc op ing st ud y t o es ta bli sh A nt ar cti c Ce nt re a nd Pr ec inc t Es ta bli sh P ub lic Pr iva te Pa rtn er sh ips to se cu re fu nd ing Se cu re si te a nd de ve lop si te pla n Co ns tru cti on La un ch o f t he An ta rc tic C en tre an d Pr ec inc t es ta bli sh ed DE FF / Co CT / Pr iva te Se cto r St re ng th en th e An ta rc tic o ut re ac h pr og ra m Re vie w an d up da te A nt ar cti c ou tre ac h pr og ra m pla n Re vie w an d up da te A nt ar cti c ou tre ac h pr og ra m m at er ial Im ple m en t re vis ed A nt ar cti c ou tre ac h pr og ra m p lan Ro ll o ut re vis ed An ta rc tic ou tre ac h pr og ra m m at er ial Im ple m en t re vis ed A nt ar cti c ou tre ac h pr og ra m pla n DE FF / DS I To p lan , p ro vid e an d m ain ta in inf ra str uc tu re fo r o pe ra tio ns in An ta rc tic a an d So ut he rn Oc ea n Im pr ov e inf ra str uc tu re fu nc tio nin g to o pt im ise op er at ion s Co nd uc t a nn ua l inf ra str uc tu re a ud it re po rt to in fo rm fu tu re d em an ds an d th e re pla ce m en t pr og ra m Im ple m en ta tio n of a nn ua l inf ra str uc tu re au dit re po rt Th re e ye ar inf ra str uc tu re au dit a nd re pla ce m en t re po rt Im ple m en ta tio n of th e th re e ye ar inf ra str uc tu re au dit a nd re pla ce m en t re po rt Im ple m en ta tio n of th e th re e ye ar inf ra str uc tu re au dit a nd re pla ce m en t re po rt DE FF / DP W I This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 134 No. 44293 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19 MARch 2021 25 | P a g e 7 CONCLUSION South Africa appreciates the strategic relevance of the Antarctic Treaty system, and the country’s geographic strategic advantage to play a leading role in the Antarctic Treaty system, as well as in Southern Ocean and Antarctic science and conservation. Consequently, this Strategy expresses the national intent for the country to position itself to maximise scientific capacity and impact, to maintain its leadership role in international climate change and marine conservation and sustainable use through a well-directed and coordinated approach. There are limited resources that are available and as such, coordination of implementing this strategy will ensure that resources are used optimally. The strategy will be reviewed periodically to ensure that new developments are adapted for the benefit of the country. The proposed institutional arrangements will play a critical role with the implementation of this strategy.