Antarctica is the only place on Earth without a native human population, territorial demarcations or urbanization. As a result of the Antarctic Treaty (1959), research, cooperation and cohabitation of groups of different nationalities became determining factors. Aiming to study the intangible heritage of Antarctica resulting from this particular configuration, Iscte – CVTT and CRIA started the ALIGHT – Antarctic Living Heritage Project this July. The project is funded by the MSCA – PF – Horizon Europe Program and will be in development until the summer of 2026. The project has as participants the Laboratory of Antarctic Studies in Human Sciences (LEACH – UFMG, Brazil), and the Directorate-General for Heritage Cultural of Portugal.

​

GOAL

•   To understand and map the Antarctic’s culture through the lens of Living Heritage,
•   To increase people's knowledge about human presence in Antarctica and
•   To inform heritage protection policies adressed to Antarctica.

​

METHOD

Collection of data on traditions and cultural expressions in Antarctica; interpretative analysis of data collected regarding the rooting, transmission and transformation of cultural expressions in Antarctica; mapping the most significant cultural elements found.

​

SOURCES

New data
This will be acquired during fieldwork in Antarctica, through participatory observation and interviews with communities at Antarctic stations. Interactions with non-academic audiences will also be a means of gathering data on people’s social imaginaries about Antarctica.
Pre-existing data
Research on the LEACH dataset produced through a decade of archaeological expeditions to Antarctica; research on Antarctic Treaty recommendations and policies; research on other varieties of sources which can bring information on traditions, cultural expressions, heritage and social imaginaries about Antarctica (e.g. literature, scientific publications, films).
​