I decided to set up a Foundation whose purpose is to protect the environment and to encourage sustainable development (...). By definition, this is a common global challenge that requires urgent and concrete action in response to three major environmental issues: climate change, biodiversity and water.

H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco

A visit was made to the Australian station Davis on Saturday and Sunday morning. It is located in the north east of the Antarctic continent in the prolongation of the continental shelf. The first explorers and researchers set up base there a hundred or so years ago, partly due to the fact that part of the waters are ice free making it easier to circulate. It is a highly developed research centre for various disciplines.

Progress and Zhongstan are 800 metres apart. They are located on a rocky plateau, Prydz Bay, which overlooks a glacier.
The first is a Russian station, the second is Chinese.
The two multipolar research centres are undergoing alterations. Their activity is developing intensely.

Here solidarity is in full operation.
The cooperation is unofficial but very real and on a daily basis, reaching beyond the relationship of good neighbours. If there is a shortage of material in one of the stations, the other station is ready to lend it. If a temporary helping hand is needed, you just need to ask. “That's also what Antarctica is about. Knowing how to face up to a multitude of events and challenges on a permanent basis. In such cases, we really need each other” the two directors explained to us in turn.

Solidarity which has been confirmed in exceptional situations too.
Last October, the building in which the Progress staff used to sleep, caught fire. The cause of the fire is still unknown. It resulted in one death and several injured.
Walking along the last remnants of the building, the remains of charred pillars, the director of Progress explains to us that the Chinese ran to help put out the fire. They gave clothes to their neighbours who had lost everything. The Australians also came with medical aid.

In the years to come, Progress will become a major transition centre to travel to other Russian stations, including Vostok. The completion date for the work has been deferred due to the serious incident. The buildings under construction are modern, sturdy and spacious. A runway for the Ilyushin 76 is currently being constructed. The director begs us, laughing, to come back next year for the official opening.

The same request from the Chinese.
The building site is just as impressive.
The director extends an invitation to us for welcoming Monegasque researchers who would like to come here to develop their topics of study.