PRESS CONFERENCE: 12 June 2006 TIME: 10:00 for 10:30 am. OPENING OF THE ANTARCTIC TREATY CONSULTATIVE MEETING XXIX, EDINBURGH

VENUE: Edinburgh International Conference Centre, The Exchange, Edinburgh EH3 8EE

Speakers include the Minister for Overseas Territories, Lord David Triesman, Professor Chris Rapley, Director of British Antarctic Survey and Dr Tony Press, Director of the Australian Antarctic Division and Chair of the Committee for Environmental Protection.

The Antarctic Treaty is one of the world's most successful international treaties and it is the first time that this major international meeting has been held in the UK since 1977. Around 300 scientists, policy advisors and NGOs from 45 countries will attend the meeting to discuss a wide range of issues including science, the forthcoming International Polar Year, environmental protection, tourism, heritage and governance.

The formal Opening Ceremony in the presence of HRH Princess Anne is open to journalists, however, questions are not permitted during the ceremony.

**Please note that you will need to bring photo ID (passport) in order to gain admittance to the press conference/opening ceremony. Please arrive in good time to allow security checks before the press conference.

Throughout the 2 week meeting journalists can have access to some of the world's leading scientists involved in big global issues such as climate change and sustainable management of Southern Ocean fisheries. A public engagement programme features two ice ships at Ocean Terminal, Leith; performance lectures at EICC; Art & heritage photo exhibitions at EICC; events at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh Zoo & Royal Observatory.

Becky Allen, Press Officer, Ant
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Contact: Linda Capper
L.capper@bas.ac.uk
01-223-221-448
British Antarctic Survey
5-Jun-2006