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A nature reserve is to be established near the Ukrainian Antarctic research station 'Akademik Vernadsky'

A nature reserve is to be established near the Ukrainian Antarctic research station 'Akademik Vernadsky'

25 May 2026, 20:00

A nature reserve is to be established near the Ukrainian Antarctic research station 'Akademik Vernadsky' — Ukraine has secured the establishment of a new nature reserve in Antarctica

Ukraine has secured the establishment of a new specially protected area in Collins Bay, located near the Akademik Vernadsky station in Antarctica. The initiative was approved following three years of intensive international negotiations.

This was reported by the National Antarctic Scientific Centre (NASC).

The decision was adopted at the 48th Consultative Meeting of the Parties to the Antarctic Treaty, which took place from 11 to 21 May in Hiroshima, Japan.

“The new protected area covers five separate sites in Collins Bay. They are known for their unique moss ecosystems, bird colonies, glacial landscapes and rich biodiversity. The aim of the Ukrainian initiative is the long-term protection of these ecosystems from increasing tourist activity and the negative effects of climate change,” the NASC noted.

During the meeting, the Ukrainian delegation also called for condemnation of Russia’s unlawful detention of our marine biologist Leonid Pshenychnov in occupied Crimea and demanded his release. This demand was supported by European countries, as well as Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. In response, Russian representatives described this as an ‘internal matter’ for the state.

Furthermore, political discussions arose at the meeting regarding the expansion of the membership of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties — this status grants a casting vote to only 29 of the 58 countries, including Ukraine. Canada, Turkey and Belarus had applied for this status.

Ukraine supported Canada and Turkey but opposed Belarus. However, India blocked the process, stating that either all three countries should receive the status or none at all.

“This practice resembles the tactics used by terrorist regimes and highlights a widespread crisis in consensus-based legal systems, where individual parties abuse their right of veto to exert pressure,” commented Yevhen Dykyi, head of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, on India’s actions.

As a reminder, it was previously reported that curious penguins ‘attacked’ a Ukrainian polar explorer in Antarctica.

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