This Sixth Argentine and Third Latin-American Symposium on Antarctic Research is held during the International Polar Year 2007-2008 (IPY), event to which we adhere not only with the submission and development of a number of research projects, but also with its organization. The Argentine Republic has a long scientific tradition in the Antartic that begins with the activities carried out by Dr. José María Sobral who was the first Argentinean scientist having wintering twice in Antarctica (1903-1904) as a member of a scientific expedition. Our country shows also a great vocation for the international cooperation in the spirit of the Antarctic Treaty through its participation in past polar years and very specially in the International Geophysical Year (1957-1958).

That is why, a century in Antarctica makes us privilegied witnesses of changes in the scientific activity in those regions and major actors of scientific events set out in the way to the signature of the Antarctic Treaty. The constant increase of science and technology activities as well as an increased interest of the international community in this region oblige us to an ongoing revision of our scientific policy. In this frame, beside the aim of extending our Antarctic activity in order to join scientist from every point of our country, we have the intention of enhancing the integration of the block of Antarctic Latin-American nations; as a result, this meeting constitutes a natural forum for submission, discussion, and exchange of their researches, to a better understanding of working groups and future cooperation.

The interest raised of this Symposium is reflected on over 140 works published in this digital edition that summarizes some of the activities carried out by researchers from more than 12 countries. Matters dealt with include not only studies on Antarctic "classic" subjects, but they also open a window to scientific challenges of the new millenium, as bioprospection, global change, and the preservation of natural ressources. Multiple works of a high scientific quality received show that modest budgets assigned to science and technology activities in the Antarctic during last years have fructified through quality of human ressources available in our country and a strong Antarctic vocation. We are proud of showing a part of results obtained with public funds that we had to manage and we can show that the Scientific and Technological System of our country through the Instituto Antártico Argentino is ready to have the chance of enhancing its work in Antarctic matters.

Finally, but not less important, I want to thank all the participants, organizers, and sponsors who made this event possible. They reflect a community of physical persons and public and private Argentine institutions working in the pursuit of our interest in Antarctic matters and ensuring the presence of the Argentinean science in Antarctica for the incoming years.

Dr. Sergio A. Marenssi
Chairman
VI Argentine and III Latin-American Symposium on Antarctic Research