Over 25 research projects will be implemented during the 33rd Bulgarian Scientific Expedition, which will number over 60 participants. In terms of scientific research, it will be the largest since such expeditions have been conducted.
„For the third year in a row, our Antarctic expedition will reach Antarctica with the Bulgarian ship. Thanks to it, we are gradually expanding our capabilities and capacity, and so – this year we are planning our largest expedition to date. This will be the largest expedition, both in terms of numbers and the number of scientific studies, as well as their scope. Thanks to the ship, we not only carry people and cargo, carry out more research, including from its board, but also reach new, unexplored territories – both on the island where the Bulgarian base is located (Livingston Island) and on neighboring islands. The Bulgarian researchers will be joined this season by both scientists from our traditional partner countries Colombia and Portugal, as well as those who will carry out the first Antarctic expeditions of Greece, Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates.“ said the head of the expedition, Prof. Hristo Pimpirev, chairman of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute and head of the 33rd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition.
Sailing to Antarctica and staying in the area of the island. Livingson on the Bulgarian ship will last about 5 months in total.
Within this expedition, native researchers will work on a variety of projects, including those to reduce the negative impact of climate change. Some of the projects are several years old, others will be realized for the first time this year.
Among the scientific developments of the Bulgarian polar explorers are an assessment of microplastic pollution on the ice continent and a study of the mineralization around the Bulgarian base, due to the presence of many valuable metals in Antarctica.
For the first time, ornithologists are also included in the expedition, who, traveling with the Bulgarian research ship, will analyze the bird wealth from Varna to Antarctica. There is currently a competition for the last projects that can receive funding for implementation already within the current expedition.
On the occasion of December 1 - Antarctica Day, from November 29 to December 1 in the urban space for culture “Scene Central Halls“ a three-day panorama of films about the Ice Continent shot over the years will be presented.