Community Programmes
Mission Antarctica
Antarctica, the world's last unspoilt wilderness, contains 70% of the world's fresh water and is protected by an international treaty that ensures its natural resources are not exploited for commercial gain.
However in 2041, the Antarctic Treaty is due to be reviewed and will expose Antarctica to the commercial interests of governments worldwide. To avoid the damage to the global environment that could occur through its 'loss', it is vital that people around the world learn about Antarctica, and understand the need to protect it.
Since 2003 the Coca-Cola European Union Group has worked with INSPIRE! to develop an Education Station Centre (ESC) for young people and teachers at the Bellingshausen Base in King George Island, Antarctica. INSPIRE! is an organisation committed to the preservation of Antarctica; founded by Robert Swan OBE, the first person in history to walk unaided to both poles. It aims to engage young people by working with businesses to take positive action towards preserving the wilderness.
The initial expedition of INSPIRE! and Coca-Cola European employees evaluated two potential sites for the ESC before finally recommending the former meteorological station at the edge of the Bellingshausen Base on King George Island.
Although structurally sound, the building was in a poor condition and before construction of the ESC could begin, the former meteorological station had to be extensively renovated to create an accommodation facility. In February 2005 the European team consisting of eleven Coca-Cola employees and four young people, sponsored by the Company, arrived to complete the refurbishment as part of the Inspire Antarctica Expedition (IAE). Expeditions also took place in 2006 and 2007. For more information please visit www.2041.com/expeditions.
The Coca-Cola EU Group team for the 2008 Mission Antarctica expedition will set off for their polar adventures in the middle of March. This is the fifth and final team of explorers who will accompany Robert Swan to King George Island.
They will be implementing the finishing touches to the centre and testing its solar equipment and communications technology. When the ESC is fully operational, it will be handed over to the Mission Antarctica USA Foundation.
