Ushuaia to host Latin American Antarctic Program Administrators meeting

Ushuaia will host the Meeting of Latin American Antarctic Program Administrators (RAPAL) from October 5 to 8. This marks the first time the regional coordination event has returned to the city in 30 years.

The meeting will bring together officials from various Latin American Antarctic programs for technical sessions and closed meetings to address regional agendas. The foundation FINNOVA, which promoted Ushuaia's candidacy, views the event as a strategic opportunity to leverage Tierra del Fuego’s geography.

According to FINNOVA member Fernando Chiesa, the goal is to transition Ushuaia from a primary Antarctic tourism gateway into a major logistical and operational hub. This strategy includes developing the capacity to supply various international Antarctic programs, a move supported by the recently presented Polarush (Cluster Polar Ushuaia) initiative. FINNOVA is also working on a cooperation agreement with the National Antarctic Directorate to support these objectives.