Antarctica is managed internationally under the Antarctic Treaty. Each year, countries that have signed the treaty get together at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM). These meetings bring together a large number of experts, including lawyers, diplomats, scientists and logisticians.

This year, the meeting is in New Delhi, India. Naturally, like attracts like, and I’ve been enjoying quite a few discussions with scientists over copious amounts of Indian tea and curry.

Scientists who come to the ATCM for the first time definitely find it an eye-opening experience. The discussions at the meeting help you understand why you have to fill in so much paperwork for your research. They also make you realize that your science is only one miniscule element in the world of geopolitics.

It can be refreshing when facts are logically debated and collaborations are forged. It can be frustrating when party lines are toed and national interests come above common sense.

The meeting draws to a close on May 11. Two jam-packed weeks of discussions on legal, environmental and science issues. Good collaborations and constructive efforts such as the IPY were praised and encouraged. Accidents were dissected and lessons were learned from mistakes. Agreements were made while many other issues could not be agreed upon.

Everyone now goes home, plans and has another Antarctic season and will get together for more debates, discussions and merriment in Kiev, Ukraine in 2008 for the ATCM XXXI.