ORLEN, in cooperation with the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences, is launching a project aiming to designate a new Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) in one of the world’s most inaccessible regions. This is a unique undertaking in the history of Polish research on the southern continent, combining scientific, educational and environmental activities.

The „Antarctic Project Supported by ORLEN” is a research and education initiative aimed at establishing a new Antarctic Specially Protected Area. Currently, the strictly protected areas account for only 0.02% of the region. The five-year program, which has just begun, is expected to lead to the designation of another reserve, which will increase the range of protected areas and strengthen Poland’s international position within the framework of its already ongoing research activities in Antarctica. “Antarctic Project Supported by ORLEN” is a joint initiative of ORLEN, the ORLEN Foundation and the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

– Involvement in this unique project reflects our sustainable development strategy and ORLEN’s priorities, which include supporting Polish science, implementing innovative technologies and carrying out corporate social responsibility activities,” stresses Lidia Kołucka, ORLEN’s Executive Director for Sponsorship. – Cooperation between business and science opens up new opportunities to expand knowledge and build valuable initiatives. Antarctica is of great importance to the global climate balance, and we want to support research that helps protect it. – she adds.

As a first step, funding will be provided for the purchase of modern equipment – including a specialized Sea Rescue and Assistance boat and snow mobiles which are necessary for securing and conducting field work in hard-to-reach locations of King George Island and achieving the project’s goals.

– Cooperation with ORLEN and the ORLEN Foundation, including the purchase of specialized equipment, opens up new research opportunities for Polish scientists. It will also increase the occupational safety of scientists from around the world conducting their research and monitoring within the range of the H. Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station, managed by IBB PAN since 2012. It should be remembered that it is thanks to their work that the international community constantly receives invaluable data on the rate of glacier melting, climate dynamics or changes in population size of individual species of Antarctic animals and plants. – said IBB PAS Director Prof. Jarosław Poznański – Our cooperation will certainly contribute to the expansion of knowledge about the Antarctic ecosystem, and may ultimately lead to Poland’s active participation in the protection of this unique place on our planet. – he added.

In parallel, the project will carry out an inventory of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). Observation of bird populations is crucial as the obtained results are an important element of the early warning system against the effects of climate change. The “Antarctic Project Supported by ORLEN” will focus on King George Island in the South Shetland Archipelago in West Antarctica, particularly in the area of Destruction Bay.

– A further, equally important component of the funded equipment will be the latest generation of Unmanned Aerial Systems, commonly known as drones, which will allow many surprising discoveries in the pristine areas of King George Island. This will bring us closer to covering these areas with special care and will allow us to protect them from the human presence in Antarctica, which has intensified in recent years, and to preserve them in their natural form for future generations – stresses the project manager Dr. hab. Robert Bialik, professor of PAS.

Educational activities conducted in Poland will also be an important part of the project. ORLEN will support, among other things, the production of a film, the reporting of the project, the organization of scientific events and special school classes. As a result, students and science enthusiasts will be able to learn more about this remote and fascinating region of the world.

Antarctica encompasses the continent and the waters of the Southern Ocean that surround it. The international Antarctic Treaty, which applies to the region, states that Antarctica is an area dedicated to scientific and peaceful purposes. The document prohibits the exploitation of natural resources and military activities. Research conducted there is of great importance for understanding climate processes and the functioning of the entire planet. Poland, as one of the signatories of the Antarctic Treaty, is one of 29 countries managing the area.

ORLEN is an integrated multi-utility company, supplying energy and fuels to millions of people in Europe, primarily in the Central European region. Because of the scale and importance of its operations, the conglomerate supports the energy transition and decarbonization process in the Central European region. One of the key elements of ORLEN’s sponsorship strategy is to be an active partner of Polish science and to support research.

The Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences is one of the leading scientific institutes in Poland. The main task of the Institute is to conduct basic research in the fields of science, life sciences, medicine and health sciences, especially in the areas of biochemistry and biophysics. The Institute also conducts multidisciplinary research in the polar regions. At the same time, using its experience, knowledge and skills, it builds future scientific and research staff by training young doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.

The ORLEN Foundation carries out projects in the fields of education, environmental protection and social support, engaging in activities that contribute to sustainable development and social responsibility. The Foundation supports Polish science, offers scholarships for young talents, and engages in initiatives that promote safety and activation of children and young people. Through its activities, the ORLEN Foundation plays a key role in supporting worthwhile social and environmental projects.