EPB Executive Secretary Joins COMNAP Meetings in Tromsø
Author
Maria Grigoratou
Published On
The EPB Executive Secretary joined the 38th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP), held in Tromsø, Norway, from 4–6 August 2026. She also participated in the 6th Antarctic Search & Rescue (SAR) Workshop on 6–7 August. The meetings were hosted by the Norwegian Polar Institute.
The Executive Secretary attended the meetings as part of the Swedish delegation. Sweden is the host country of the EPB Secretariat, which is hosted through its Swedish members: the Arctic Centre at Umeå University (host), the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, and Luleå University of Technology.
The COMNAP 38th AGM brought together discussions on Antarctic science support and international collaboration, as well as operational and thematic topics including environmental protection, safety, science facilitation, marine and air operations, critical technologies, and human biology and medicine. The agenda also included COMNAP projects, its 2027–2032 workplan and future strategic directions.
The Antarctic Search & Rescue Workshop focused on cooperation and coordination related to search and rescue in Antarctica, providing an opportunity to exchange experience and discuss approaches to strengthening SAR preparedness and response.
Participation in the meetings provided an opportunity to follow current developments in Antarctic operations and cooperation and to connect with colleagues from across the international polar community.
COMNAP 38th AGM Artwork credit: Pablo Ruiz