February 22nd, 1904 marked a historic milestone for our country: for the first time, the national flag was raised on Laurie Island, South Orkney, starting an uninterrupted presence in the region with the inauguration of the Meteorological Observatory, which would later become the Orkney Base.
This fact, besides being a testimony of sovereignty, was officially recognised in 1974 with Law Nº 20.827, establishing 22 February as the Argentine Antarctic Day. For decades, Argentina was the only nation with permanent occupation on the continent, consolidating its strategic and scientific position.
Argentina's presence in Antarctica dates back to 1902, when Ensign José María Sobral joined Otto Nordenskjöld's Swedish expedition. The sinking of the Antarctic ship of this expedition led our country to carry out a successful rescue with the Corvette Uruguay commanded by Lieutenant Julián Irízar. Since then, multiple Argentine expeditions have left their mark, such as the air expedition to the South Pole in 1965, the land expedition to the South Pole in 1966, and the first transpolar flight in 1969.
Since 1951, research has been a priority with the creation of the Argentine Antarctic Institute (IAA). The signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959 consolidated science as a central axis for international cooperation and decision-making on the white continent.
The Argentine Antarctic Sector covers approximately 1,461,597 km², of which 965,314 km² correspond to land. In this region, our country administers thirteen bases, six of them permanent and seven temporary, guaranteeing a stable and active presence throughout the year.
On 6 January 2024, the President of the Nation, Javier Milei, visited Antarctica together with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, to launch an ambitious cooperation project between Argentina and the IAEA. Under the NUTEC Plastics programme, progress was made in research on marine plastic pollution in the Antarctic region. Coordinated by the Argentine Antarctic Programme and with the support of the Argentine Antarctic Institute, this project includes scientific missions, specialised training and logistical support, reinforcing Argentina's leadership in environmental research on the white continent.
On Argentine Antarctica Day, we recognise and value the work of those who, with commitment and dedication, work to strengthen the national presence in the southernmost region of the planet. Their efforts not only maintain Argentine sovereignty, but also promote knowledge and scientific cooperation at a global level.
