The following is adapted from the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Environment news release (20 April 2009):The Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Environment has succeeded in having Narębski Point – known to many researchers as “Penguin Village” – designated as an Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA).
Penguin Village is located on King George Island in the Antarctic Peninsula. The area is home to 2900 pairs of chinstrap penguins – the largest colony on King George Island – and over 1700 pairs of gentoo penguins. It is approximately two kilometres southeast of Korea’s Antarctic research station, King Sejong Station.
According to the
Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, an area of Antarctica may be designated an ASPA to protect outstanding environmental, scientific, historic, aesthetic or wilderness values, or ongoing or planned scientific research.
Korea’s primary reason for proposing that Penguin Village be designated as an ASPA is to protect its ecological, scientific and aesthetic values from human interference. The most outstanding feature of the area is its rich biodiversity, particularly its penguins. The presence of 14 bird species and 88 plant species in Penguin Village, together with its unique topography, makes the area aesthetically beautiful and an excellent place for scientific research.
Because it is now an ASPA, no one will be allowed to enter Penguin Village without a permit, and permits will only be issued for scientific purposes that cannot be met elsewhere. Activities conducted in the area will be restricted in order to protect its values. For example, no equipment can be installed within the area unless authorised by the permit, no living animals or plants can be deliberately introduced into the area, taking anything from the area or harmful interference is prohibited except in accordance with the permit, and all waste must be removed from the area.
All Parties to the Treaty will be responsible for protecting and managing the area in accordance with the Management Plan submitted by Korea’s Ministry of Environment. In reality, because of the proximity of King Sejong Station to Penguin Village, Korea will effectively be in charge of the managing the area. This includes, among other things, providing instructions to anyone accessing the area, placing signs at appropriate places with clear statements of entry restrictions, and monitoring the biological conditions of the area.
The decision to designate Narębski Point as an ASPA was made at the historic
32nd Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM), held 6–17 April this year in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The Baltimore ATCM marked the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty.
Narębski Point has become the 71st ASPA, and the Republic of Korea is now the 15th Party to the Treaty to successfully propose an ASPA designation.
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