“If Antarctica were music, it would be Mozart. Art, and it would be Michelangelo, Literature, and it would be Shakespeare. And yet it is something even greater; the only place on earth that is still as it should be. May we never tame it.”— Andrew Denton
Ever thought of walking beside a penguin? Well, let’s explore a little how it feels to be one with nature in a place very fewer people talk about. The only place on earth which continues to remain just the way nature intended it to be. The fairy tale version of the current world.
Territory claims
Many sovereign states have made territorial claims over this virgin land. The list of the countries making claims is- Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
Since a long time, the scientific community of these countries is on the go, exploring the area. Despite all the claims made, Antarctica has its own provision for the treaty like-
· Antarctica will always be the land for peace.
· Liberty to the scientific investigation in Antarctica should have no barriers and cooperation till the end is expected.
· Scientific observations and the conclusions should be made public, accessible to all.
· To keep a check on the observance of the provision of the protocol, “All areas of Antarctica, including all stations, installations, and equipment within those areas … shall be open at all times to inspection.”
Popularity of Antarctica
Only the people who have visited can explain the locales with words. For the rest, they just may have to visit it to believe it. You will be amazed to know that a mere .0001% of people in the world go to Antarctica. Astonishingly even less spend a night there. These are not just figure’s, it’s a privilege to be a place where hardly anybody has been.
No WiFi, what’s the source of entertainment?
When you are in a place which is identical to a hypothetical wonderland, then why not enjoy the feel. One can easily forget digital connections and walk-in nature’s trail with the penguins. One can see seals swim and then bask themselves in the sun. One can even trek up the snowy mountains and whatnot.
Antarctica is a place where you can breathe in the purest form of air. Experience the never seen before colors of daylight as the sun never sets there.
You can always hold a glass of whiskey with natural sea ice and enjoy the snowfall with a dazzling display of auroras.
Must visit places
When you are experimenting with a new place to visit, you should be well informed and prepared for it. There are many fascinating places to visit, and the list goes like-
· Ross Sea- The perfect time to explore the remote wild waters of Ross Sea is when the solid ice breaks down to flow freely. It’s a good station for research, as it has an active volcano which interests many.
· Antarctic Peninsula- This area is the most accessible part of the Antarctica mainland. It’s a beautiful scenario when you see dozens of whales swimming around your boat. It is also a highly dense region for leopard seals.
· Port Lockroy- Researchers figured out it to be the military base during the Second World War, initially used for whaling. Currently it is the post office and a museum and quite popular amongst the travelers.
The increasing threat to the untouched place on earth
We are well aware of the current concern over global warming depleting the glacier sheets. The drastic change in the nature of the environment is efficient and clearly visible. To top it all, illegal fishing adds on to harming the purest place on the planet. Fishing boat trespass the area ignoring the regulations. This causes a break in the food chain. Adding to all of it is the pollution caused by the people who visit the place. There is non-biodegradable waste in the water like oil cans and plastic bottles. This does no good to sea life.
After seeing the changes in the cleanest place of the earth, we as humans should stop exploring. People should be punished for leaving waste behind, especially in an area known for being untouched.
Be a silent visitor, do not take back our souvenirs; do not disturb the environment in any way! Be an observer, capture the beautiful moments with your naked eyes and be grateful to be a part of such an isolated spell-binding place.