The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), a voluntary, Dubai-based NGO, plans to lobby the UAE government to sign a treaty aimed at keeping Antarctica independent and for peaceful research only.

If successful, the UAE will be the first nation in the Middle East to sign the 50-year-old historic treaty, which has already been signed by 48 nations. The treaty also aims to preserve Antarctica as the last great wilderness on earth.

EEG will also partner with iLearn, a top training and consultancy firm, also organise an expedition to Antarctica in 2011 for the winners of a sustainability contest.

The contest will be announced by Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi of the ruling family of Ajman, CEO of Al Ihsan Charity, and environmental expert, and Robert Swan OBE the first person in history to walk both the North Pole and South Pole.

Ninety per cent of the world’s ice is held in Antarctica and 70 per cent of the world’s fresh water is held in Antarctica, a statement said. – TradeArabia News Service