international
polar
foundation

Wondering how you can act against Climate Change? This is it! Last week, a massive awareness campaign was launched throughout Belgium in order to raise public interest in the construction of the Princess Elisabeth research station.

This fundraising campaign offers you the opportunity to take part in the IPF's major project, the world's first zero emission research station. This project reflects the Foundation's principal objectives which are to inform, educate and act in the current context of Climate Change.

In the light of the recent "impact" week lead by the IPCC Workgroup II in Brussels, it has become obvious that action must be taken immediately.

Three different "boomerang cards" can be found in various display points across the country. Through your contribution, you will participate in Belgium's return to Antarctica and enable further scientific research on Climate Change to be undergone, starting March 2008.

These Arctic and Antarctic 3D puzzles are aimed at kids from 12 to 14 years old. By showing the various layers of land, ocean and ice, these puzzles will constitute a solid background activity to teach children about the geography as well as the flora and fauna of both Polar Regions. To complement the puzzles, side experiments and discussions about the role of Polar Regions in the climate system are also available to kids and teachers.

After a successful trial phase in Flemish classrooms, these new 3D puzzles representing both the Arctic and Antarctica will be presented at Hidrodoe, the interactive hands-on water activity centre in Herentals (Belgium) on the 17th and 24th of April. They will also be showcased in WetenshapsEXPOscience from the 3rd to the 5th of May. Both puzzles will then be used in subsequent IPF educational activities or events.

These tools have been built and tested by the IPF with the kind support of the "Wetenschap maakt Knap" programme of the Belgian Flemish Government within the framework of its goal to help the general population become more familiar with science and technology.

On the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Belgian Meteo Wing, Alain Hubert -Chairman of the IPF - and André Flahaut -Belgian Defence Minister - have signed a framework collaboration agreement regarding the construction of the new Belgian Antarctic Station.

Alain Hubert detailed the concept of the Princess Elisabeth Station, the first "zero emission" station in Antarctica. He also presented the latest BELARE 2006/2007 expedition, which saw the first collaboration between IPF and the Belgian Defence Ministry.

This 2 year agreement sets up the framework for the collaboration between the Belgian Defence Ministry and the International Polar Foundation. The Belgian Defence Ministry will bring its logistic support to the project and will also take this opportunity to develop its expertise in terms of logistics, cartography, communication, meteorology, satellite images and medical assistance.