Race for catching Antarctic bacteria

2004/03/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ingurumena

The United Nations is concerned about the exploitation of Antarctic organisms. In fact, many of these organisms are very special, so it is considered that it may happen that some are collected improperly.

Already collected are the estremófilos that inhabit areas of Antarctica for research, microorganisms capable of living in extreme conditions, on which interest increases day by day because it is believed that they can have many uses.

According to experts, competition for results as soon as possible can lead to an avalanche of collectors. They still do not know what risk this issue may pose in the environment, but if their expectations are met it will be a topic to consider.

In addition, the Antarctic Treaty does not adequately regulate certain aspects of bioprospecting and economic interests question the nature, collaboration and transparency of Antarctic scientific research.