MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chile’s first Antarctic base declared National Historical Monument

The base is located in Greenwich Island

Chile’s National Monuments Council has unanimously declared Chile’s Arturo Prat research base naval in Antarctica a National Historical Monument. Their decision was based on the historic strategic value of the base and its functional construction for extreme weather conditions.

This is an achievement for a base that was closed by the Chilean Navy in the summer of 2004 due to budget reallocation. But the importance of the base located in Greenwich Island led to its reopening four years later and this week marks a new milestone in its history.

Arturo Prat was Chile’s first base in Antarctica, dating back to 1947. Its exterior is constructed of galvanized iron and the interior is made of wood. It has a pier and two heliports and resources for up to nine people.

Magdalena Krebs, vice-president of the council said, “With this declaration, we not only recognize the historic importance of the first Chilean base in the Antarctic, but also Chile’s vision during that period and its contribution to environmental conservation and support for science.”

Arturo Prat provides valuable information for understanding biodiversity and the continent's potential.

Although the new status will not prevent the closing of the base in the future – like in 2004 – it does indicate a move towards conservation.

By Dominique Farrell – Santiago Times