In a conversation with the "Saramad" marine newspaper, it was raised: the waving of the Iranian flag in Antarctica needs financial support

The continent of Antarctica is actually one of the largest deserts on the planet, which is even bigger than the continent of Europe and the coldest region on earth. On the other hand, oceans are never static and still, and even in the calmest parts of it, the water has flow and movement; Ocean currents are the movement of water from one place to another, caused by wind, water density difference, drag and gravity. are produced and directed. Ocean currents are similar to winds in the atmosphere that transport significant amounts of heat from the Earth's tropics to the poles, and thus, ocean currents and atmospheric circulation influence each other. Winds, precipitation, temperature, storms, weather patterns, gusts, etc. are all regulated by ocean currents. It can be said that the Earth is habitable because of ocean currents. The current conditions governing the Antarctic is one of the most important factors for the continuity of sea currents and as a result the planet's livability and the nutrition of many aquatic animals in the extreme parts of the oceans and seas of the planet. The importance of the Antarctic continent for our dear country of Iran was discussed during the conversation of Danesh Darya-Omid Esmaili group with Hossein Farjami, Ph.D. in satellite oceanography and a member of the faculty of the National Research Institute of Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and head of the National Antarctic Research Center.

Sarmad Marine newspaper: In your opinion, how important is the Antarctic continent for Iran in the future?

Farjami: The importance of Antarctica can be examined in various ways such as political, economic and scientific. From a scientific point of view, topics such as global warming and climate change that can affect the Antarctic continent and the future of countries are also in the center of attention in our center. From this point of view, Antarctica is actually a region that is considered the beating heart of the earth; That is, the existing atmospheric and oceanic systems meet in this region and there is no land boundary in the seas around Antarctica.  Because the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans meet in this region and a heat exchange takes place, so that the heat from the higher latitudes is absorbed by the sea currents and reaches this region and heat exchanges take place and the currents return to the middle latitudes of the earth and create global comfort in terms of temperature. If the balance of these systems is disrupted and there will be a severe temperature difference, the temperature control of the planet will also be disturbed. Currently, Antarctica can only be used for scientific research and peaceful activities. Of course, this continent is also very important in many aspects, because we are facing a virgin land and in terms of width, it is considered the fifth continent on the planet, which is bigger than the continent of Europe. Because it has no native inhabitants, any country can operate in that region for peaceful purposes, but currently, according to the Antarctic Treaty concluded in 1959, it is not possible to extract and use its resources, and it is only possible to operate in that continent for scientific research and peaceful activities. But there is the potential to add to the long-standing debates of climatology, biology, hydrology, geology, astrophysics,  Conducting deep studies in deep space due to atmospheric conditions and without obstacles etc. Also, this area can be used for studies to improve the condition of the planet and its governing conditions, which were helped by various sciences such as chemistry, physics, biology and astrophysics.

Sarmad Marine Newspaper: According to your listed cases, which show most aspects of the global importance of this continent. However, Iran is not yet present in Antarctica, which our future generations will scold us for delaying.

Farajami: Yes, it is true. Expanding the water borders is one of the wishes of every country, including Iran. If we want to take a look at Antarctica from Makran's side, we can have a sector in the South Pole, which means expanding our water borders. This is one of the gaps that exist now. It should be said about the question of future generations, just as we protested and objected to our predecessors when other countries sought to open up the world and acquire resources for progress and they were oblivious, the future generations will have the same position towards us. According to the climate changes that the planet is going through, it is possible that in the future the Antarctic continent will be inhabited, not in the current sense.  Rather, it should be transformed with the help of technology and the countries that are present in Antarctica can use the resources of that continent. Also, with the progress made, the Antarctic continent will be one of the suitable laboratory locations for space studies, therefore, it is necessary for various economic, scientific and perhaps also cultural sectors to think about creating their own independent region in this continent and to be able to establish the indisputable right that exists for all countries, and to have a base and a place for our future generations. Therefore, presence in that continent is considered as planning for the future of the country.

Sarmad Marine newspaper: Considering that now that according to the laws governing the Antarctic continent, its resources cannot be used, what is the reason for the fierce competition between Russia, America and China for a larger share of the continent?

Farjami: The root of this cause may be better explained by humanities experts, but if I want to say with a general view, there was a national desire and national unity in those countries that were drawn to that direction and were able to conduct studies and research in that continent with such a large volume and scope. Of course, the more studies and researches there are, the higher the social expectations will be and the people involved will be able to prove the necessity of their presence in that area more easily.

Sarmad Marine Newspaper: Some of Iran's neighbors like Turkey are present in Antarctica. Is the reason for our absence due to lack of understanding of the importance of the Antarctic continent in our country? What is your view as the head of the National Antarctic Research Center on this issue?

Farjami: Various factors can be considered as the reason for non-attendance, and only one factor cannot be considered as the main reason. Perhaps the management decisions or the issues that the country is suffering from now, have made the presence in Antarctica not one of the country's priority issues. But from the aspect of oceanography, because our view of the earth is an integrated system, therefore, knowing all parts of the earth is one of our priorities.  Because if we want to develop a global model, of course we need to examine the entire planet including Antarctica and fill our information gap. But if we want to look at it from a management point of view, it should be said that the importance of that region is not yet understood for us, or that we, as subject experts, could not justify the importance of Antarctica for the development of the country. Most of the problems that are in front of us are due to big management decisions to prepare a comprehensive plan for presence in Antarctica. However, we made many efforts and had many letters and correspondences with various officials of the country so that many parts of the country realize the importance of Antarctica. These efforts are still ongoing, but so far we have not been successful due to problems such as budget problems, and we hope that our dear officials can help us to achieve this goal with their serious decisions.

Sarmad Marine newspaper: In your words, you mentioned the second or third priority of the current issue in the country, while even if it is the second or third priority, we should witness minimal movements in this area. If the ignorance of the decision-makers and the problems of financing seem to be more effective issues in not realizing this goal.

Farjami: When the issue of importance is brought up and we talk to different parts of the country, everyone admits that this issue is necessary and necessary and that we should have a base and activities in Antarctica, but when the question of budget allocation is raised, we do not see any feedback and we do not have a minimal support to be able to start our activities in Antarctica in a practical and field-based manner. We even suggested that if it is not possible to create a base at the moment, we can send our researchers through neighboring countries such as Russia, China and even South Africa for studies and gaining experience.  sent to that area and in parallel with this work, follow the preparations for establishing a base in Antarctica. But so far these correspondences have not reached any results and I even remember that when Dr. Abtahi, the former head of the National Research Institute of Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences, was present, there was an agreement with one of the Russian research centers that Iranian researchers, like Russian researchers, could use their facilities and equipment.  From their bases in Antarctica for  They should use their own research, which unfortunately has not reached the same result.

Sarmad Marine newspaper: Why did this issue not come to a conclusion? Farjami: The root of this story goes back to financial and budget issues.

Sarmad Sea Newspaper: What other countries are present in Antarctica besides Türkiye?

Farajami: Pakistan is present there; Arab countries are trying to be able to be present in Antarctica even as a partnership. The Muslim country of Malaysia is also present in Antarctica. It is interesting to know that Malaysia itself does not have a base there, but it sends its researchers to the base of other countries and they carry out their research easily. We are unfortunately waiting for a miracle to be there even though there is so much potential in the country. If we want to mention human resources, which are the most valuable resources of any country, we have many scientists who are doing research in Antarctica in different countries, while these researchers were working in Iran.  we  If we can bring together researchers who study Antarctica, we may be able to fast-track the multi-year path that requires a strong convergence and a fundamental decision to allocate funds in this regard. In this case, the backwardness of the country in the field of Antarctica can be compensated. Right now, if they announce that there is good financial support in the field of Antarctic research, it is possible to gather the same doctoral and master's degree students together and start a very good activity.

Sarmad Marine newspaper: We know that due to the high importance of the Antarctic continent, countries like America, Russia and China have been present in Antarctica for several decades. It is even stated in the news that China is seeking to build special icebreakers for Antarctica by allocating several billion dollars. On the other hand, we see that some Iranians are present in the North and South Poles for issues other than research.

فرجامی: بیشتر آن‌ها به صورت توریستی و جهانگردی در جنوبگان حضور پیدا می کنند. But the issue that is raised from our side is the official presence and to carry out research that should be present in Antarctica. Otherwise, Iranian tourists visit Antarctica every year, and Iranian researchers from other countries are sent to Antarctica, and the results of their research are also published in the name of supporting countries.

Sarmad Marine Newspaper: Considering the progress made by the National Research Institute of Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and the efforts made, it seems that this research institute can pursue the interests of the country in Antarctica and give formality. You can raise another issue that will help secure the country's interests in Antarctica.

Farjami: Thank you for discussing this important issue, even though this issue has not yet taken place in the country. Based on the mission we have at the National Research Institute of Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences, we conduct our research through the information of other countries.  And we do it by using numerical modeling and satellite data, but this is not enough and cannot prove our claim in Antarctica. We are taking steps in the form of small steps in this field and we hope to have the support of the authorities, the most decisive part being the financial support. If this support is realized, we will be able to speed up our actions and be able to compensate for the country's backwardness in the field of Antarctica. We hope that in the near future we will be able to complete the country's national and scientific mission about Antarctica and witness the country's flag flying in the Antarctic continent.