Government ponders Antarctic base

6 February 2004

BRUSSELS – The Belgian government is considering whether to set up a scientific research station in Antarctica, the Belgian press reported on Friday.

The plan is being championed by Belgian explorer Alain Hubert, whose International Polar Foundation has promised to stump up the EUR 3 million needed to build the station.

Hubert wants the Belgian and Japanese governments to pay for the centre’s running costs if it is built.

“We can see today that polar science is important when it comes to understanding climate questions,” Hubert told La Libre Belgique newspaper.

If the government approves the plan the new Belgian polar station could be up and running by 2007.

Subject: Belgian news