International Polar Year
Issue Date: 14 November 2007







THE BRITISH ANTARCTIC TERRITORY ISSUE THEIR FIRST CIRCULAR STAMP TO COMMEMORATE THE INTERNATIONAL POLAR YEAR

Over the past 125 years scientists from around the world have come together on three occasions (1882/1883, 1932/1933 and 1957/1958) to organise scientific and exploration programmes in the polar regions. Each of these significantly advanced understanding of many geophysical phenomena that influence global systems.

The concept of the first International Polar Year was the inspiration of the Austrian explorer and naval officer Lt. Karl Weyprecht who was a scientist and co-commander on the Austro-Hungarian Polar Expedition of 1872-74.

The International Polar Year 2007-2008 launched in March 2007 and is an international scientific research programme focused upon the unprecedented changes currently affecting our environment. Many of the best scientists in the world will focus their research on understanding the cause of these changes and their impact on ecosystems and biodiversity. As well as hosting the IPY Programme Office, UK scientists are involved in almost 50% of the 229 approved projects.

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is the UK’s national Antarctic operator, and has for the past 60 years been responsible for most of the UK’s scientific research in Antarctica. Part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), BAS operates five research stations, two Royal Research Ships and five aircraft in and around Antarctica. As a world leader in Antarctic research, BAS is playing a major role in International Polar Year 2007-2008 (IPY).

The Government of the British Antarctic Territory (BAT) is committed to education and outreach including the promotion of the BAT, both historically and currently, particularly as part of the IPY. The Government has partfunded an IPY Histories museum and virtual exhibition hosted by the Scott Polar Regions Institute, which examines the modern significance of the Arctic and Antarctic (and the research carried out in the BAT in particular) to global environmental change, including the projection of what is planned and then achieved in the current IPY. Throughout the IPY there will be presentations of ongoing IPY activities and research, especially those involving British groups and the BAT. Aspects of ice core gathering are depicted on the border of this special souvenir whilst the circular stamp in the centre of the souvenir sheet shows a satellite image of the Antarctic continent.

There has been a long tradition of international cooperation in polar science. UK research institutions such as BAS, the Scottish Association for Marine Science and the Scott Polar Research Institute are part of a global network. BAS is currently working with scientists from approximately 40 countries including China, India, the USA and Russia on IPY projects.

To encourage young people into science careers in the future BAS, as part of its role in IPY, has formed partnerships with several leading organisations to develop resources for teachers and students. It is hoped that those using the resources and visiting the many events and exhibitions during the IPY, will carry the knowledge gleaned into their adult lives as citizens, scientists or policy makers. In that way not only will we ensure that the best scientific research is continued but that governments are able to make informed decisions about adapting to and helping to alleviate global environmental change.

Further information about International Polar Year 2007-2008 from:

International Polar Year 2007-2008
International Programme Office
c/o British Antarctic Survey
Natural Environment Research Council
High Cross
Madingley Road
Cambridge CB23 OET
UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1223 221 468
Email: ipyipo@bas.ac.uk
Website: www.ipy.org

Technical Details

Designer: CASB Studio
Photographs: British Antarctic Survey
Printer: Joh Enschede Security Print
Process: Lithography
Stamp Size: 38mm diameter circular stamp
Souvenir Sheet: 97mm diameter circular souvenir sheet
Watermark: CA Spiral

The IPY logo is used with kind permission of the IPY International Programme Office



Copyright: FI Philatelic Bureau Created and Maintained by: Cyberpoint Limited