Fourteen countries already operate from Punta Arenas as the jumping point to Antarctica, and “the intensity of this activity can be expected to grow significantly as Antarctic scientific ...

Additionally, countries are encouraged to cooperate in the region so as to minimize the human impact on Antarctica’s environment and to support human endeavors, particularly in case of emergencies.

France was one of the first countries to go to Antarctica. Since the 18th century, French navigators and explorers have been instrumental in the epic discoveries of the southern seas and Antarctica.