Special Report
of global warming. Moreover, due to krill fishing, preserve the continent. The implementation of the
penguins and other Antarctic animals are now treaty would benefit not only Antarctica but also
living with the constant threat of hazardous human all of the nearby high seas, which account for two-
activity. This is undoubtedly a wake-up call for thirds of the entire ocean area.
humanity to better protect the Antarctic with more
thorough and effective measures. Every time we climbed a slope, I would invite all of
In our expedition group, there was a scientist who a snow-covered hilltop to feel and be one with the
has been pushing for the establishment of the authentic Antarctic silence.
the volunteers to sit together during our break atop
Antarctic Marine Protected Area. I learned from
him that the marine protected area is important When other tourists on the boat saw us sitting in
as it can help rein in human activities and protect silence, we would explain to them our reasons
the many habitats of Antarctic creatures. In the behind this activity and remind them to use caution
meantime, it can also eliminate the interference of when speaking loudly. I suggested to the captain of
human activities, making it easier for us to observe the expedition team and her crew to engage in a
whether climate change or human activities are the one-minute sit-in or stand-in at each landing, and
dominant factors in shaping modern Antarctica. I named it “60 Seconds of Silence”.
On December 24, 2017, there was an encouraging Everyone on the expedition team liked my proposal
piece of good news for the global community. The and confided in me that they would seriously con-
United Nations General Assembly created a treaty sider doing this activity in future trips. I was very
resolution to formally launch intergovernmental pleased to be able to bring about such a change. I
negotiations on the conservation and sustainable hope that someday, when I visit this land of purity
use of biodiversity in offshore areas in Antarctica. again, I will be amazed by its unchanged beauty and
In my opinion, this is a very good step to help serenity.
The Keystone Magazine 57