Omani duo to join Antarctica expedition from February 28 

(MENAFN - Muscat Daily) On February 28, 2013, two young Omanis will leave for the International Antarctic Expedition 2013 (IAE 2013) that kick-start from Ushuaia, Argentina. Bader al Lawati, 26, and Ameer Abdulhussain, 23, will represent Oman in the expedition to study Antartica's ecology and raise awareness about environmental issues including global warming.The expedition is being managed by 2041, an organisation working to raise awareness about the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty that does not allow any corporation or country to mine or drill in Antarctica for resources. However, in 2041, the agreement will be up for renegotiation and the decision to protect Antarctica could be overturned.Lawati said, ''The reason I am getting involved is that I have personally seen the environmental impact on marine life here. If sea temperatures were to cool down due to Antarctic ice sheets melting, then our fish and their health will be greatly affected. Many scientists and field experts will be present at the expedition, which will give me a chance to learn more about what can be done.''Abdulhussain, who works for Oman Power and Water Procurement, said, ''During my involvement in solar energy projects across the country, I came to realise that Oman has immense opportunities to capitalise on developing this energy. I hope to bring back as much knowledge and awareness back to Oman as I can.''To prepare for the expedition, Lawati and Abdulhussain followed a strict diet plan, exercise regimen and underwent endurance programmes that included spending time in temperatures as low as -30C.