MOSCOW, October 10 (RIA Novosti) - Australia is losing its dominant position in Antarctic affairs, mainly due to inadequate scientific funding, The 20 Year Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan, published Friday, revealed.
"Australia's standing in Antarctic affairs is eroding because of historical under-investment at a time when new players are emerging in Antarctica. The leadership that Australia has naturally assumed by its proximity, history and experience, risks decline," the guide for Australia's future engagement in the region published by the country's Environment Ministry stated.
Other than Australia maintaining nonmilitarization of Antarctica in the southern region, which could be compromised, should it lose its position, the report also points out that other nations could position themselves to start mining, currently banned under international agreements.
The report gives a frank assessment of the current situation and makes a number of recommendations as to how Australia can remain a leader in Antarctica, "a position we have maintained for more than 100 years," Environment Minister Greg Hunt, was quoted as saying in the ministry's press release.
In the recommendations to be implemented over the next 20 years, the report urges the Australian government to boost scientific and infrastructure spending in Antarctica and increase diplomatic efforts with emerging influential nations in the region.
While Australia asserts sovereignty over 42 percent of Antarctica, with other emerging nations looking to Australia for advice, the report said that Australia now has a "narrow window of opportunity" to regain its position.
Currently, Antarctic territory is claimed by France, Norway, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and Britain with China, Japan and South Korea also investing toward expanding their positions, according to a report by The Guardian newspaper.
