The Antarctic Punta Arenas Logistics (APAL) business consortium recently hosted an international seminar titled “Magallanes Region Antarctica, Present and Future” at the University of Magallanes. The seminar brought together regional authorities and APAL member organizations to discuss current challenges and future projects related to Antarctica.
Topics included infrastructure development like airports, ports and scientific platforms; the role of scientific research; and logistical issues such as food supply chains for Antarctic bases and cruises. Regional development agency Corfo outlined the importance of understanding Antarctic buyers’ food requirements in order to boost local food exports.
University rector José Maripani highlighted the region’s Antarctica-focused name, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, and the associated opportunity and responsibility to fulfill the country’s Antarctic strategic goals through increased scientific research and understanding of the continent.
The seminar highlighted the ongoing collaboration between public and private entities in Magallanes to further develop Punta Arenas’ status as a gateway city to Antarctica.
