Brazil has been a full member of the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, which oversees the continent, since 1975. All 54 member countries are entitled to a vote, and a veto, on decisions ranging from environmental preservation to international collaboration. But they must keep an active role on the continent, said Simões, who attended the inauguration event as vice president of the international Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research. The continent, which covers 5.4 million square miles, is rich in drinkable water and possibly oil and gas. Brazilian research in Antarctica has not stopped despite the 2012 fire that killed two people and destroyed most of the previous base.

Source: International New York Times January 16, 2020 00:33 UTC