The purpose of "Pourquoi pas l'Antarctique" is to stir up interest and further knowledge of the Antarctic, and of the expeditions launched there by Jean-Baptiste Charcot, especially in young people. The one hundredth aniversary of that renowned explorer's first wintering there provided us with a good opportunity to do so. We intend to arouse worldwide awareness to a number of themes such as the preservation of this continent so essential to the future of the planet, it's unique state of being outside any territorial limits of jurisdiction and the joint effort of different countries in some great scientific projects.
The thought of celebrating, in our own way, the centanial of Jean-Baptiste Charcot's first wintering in the Antarctic originated, in 2001, from the encounter of Isabelle Autissier, well known for her participation in many round the world single handed sailing competitions, and André Bronner, instigator of 'Le phare du Bout du Monde' (A Beacon at the Edge of the World ) on States Island. The goal was to put forward measures that would allow everyone to take back, symbolically, this universal domain and share this evocative land of dreams and reflection. The collective nature of this venture quickly lead to the creation of "Pourquoi pas l'Antarctique" The mutual understanding and the varied skills of the 15 people who had worked previously with Isabelle and Yul in the course of their different ventures, with different viewpoints as well as professions: artists, sailors, people in the media,doctors, administrators,computer specialists, and all of them lovers of the Poles, found themselves working together on the WNA project. They are the founding members of the organization and have worked together to plan the project. Georges de Caunes, member of the 'Expeditions Polaires Françaises Paul-Émile Victor', accepted the role of Founding President. The organization was founded on the 1rst of May 2001 and its status have been lodged at Charente's maritime headquarters. It has received the approval the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
A Comprehensive Internet Site on the Antarctic Created in 2002 as a window of infornation and documentation on the Antarctic "Pourquoi pas l'Antarctique" is the best, far reaching tool, as well as a standard of information for the press and the media. In the course of our different expeditions, part of the artistic production (texts, photographs, films,etc) will be put online as we go. During the expeditions and the wintering, daily messages, sent from the ship, will be immediately accessible on the site in the "Newscast" page. Not only is this server a well of updated information about the expedition, but it allows greater interactivity through actions such as following the ship across the frozen sea, forums with expedition members and games. "Why Not Antarctica" is open to everyone in French, Spanish and English. Because of its magnitude as well as its depth and style, it is an effective educationnal tool for schools. It is also usefull for Club leaders and other groups who would like to undertake new and enovative actions using the expedition's themes . Communications and the Media The INMARSAT, satellite communication systems will provide permanent, world wide video and audio contact. For a better day by day acount of our adventure, we will set up partnerships with the media.. The progress reports will be given by "Why Not Antarctica's own press services, who will organise interviews and keep the media informed on a permanent basis. Exposure After the excursions, videos, photographs and artwork will be produced. Giving life to this project until 2006, we then wish to leave the the focus of the media to the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Internationnal Year of Geophysics, which saw the beginnings of the AntarcticTreaty on Environmental Protection. |
