ANTARCTIC LIFE

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30481, 1 July 1964, Page 12

ANTARCTIC LIFE

Conservation Plan

"The Press" Special Service AUCKLAND, June 30. An international scheme to conserve plants and animals in Antarctica may come, into force soon. This follows discussions at the third consultative meeting of the Antarctic Treaty nations in Brussels this month.

A New Zealand delegate to the meeting (Dr. E.-I. Robertson, said, conservation of plants and animals was a major topic of discussion. Dr. Robertson, assistant director-general bf the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, was speaking on his return to Auckland.

Dr. Robertson said representatives of all 12 nations' who. were signatories to the treaty' attended the Brussels talks.

Information was exchanged, matters of common interest discussed, and policy recommendations put forward for consideration by individual governments.

Dr, Robertson, said many recommendations dealt With protecting plants and animals in the treaty area. Others concerned co-ordina-tion of communications netthe role of the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research, and the exchange of information on aircraft landing sites. Dr. Robertson said the discussions took place in an atmosphere of co-operation and cordiality. There was no . doubt the treaty was working well.