site.btaBulgarian Antarctic Base Welcomes Scientists, Medical Team from Spanish Juan Carlos I Base

The St Kliment Ohridski Bulgarian Antarctic Base welcomed scientists, medical staff and logisticians from the neighbouring Spanish Juan Carlos I Antarctic Base on Livingston Island, the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute said on its Facebook page.

The medical teams exchanged experiences of working in polar conditions and discussed possible mutual assistance if needed.

The Spanish scientists proposed installing equipment to monitor cloud cover around the Bulgarian base, using omnidirectional  cameras. Deploying multiple cameras at set distances would provide more precise data on cloudiness and other atmospheric processes in the area. The project team consulted with engineer Petar Sapundjiev and discussed options for a long-term installation on the Bulgarian base.

During the visit, the teams also discussed joint surveys of the region, hazardous sea zones, recent weather changes and the development of both Antarctic bases.

Kamen Nedkov, Commander of the Bulgarian Antarctic Base, presented the almost-completed and fully equipped new laboratory block. Spanish colleagues once again praised the Bulgarian base for its particularly welcoming environment.

The 34th scientific expedition began its main work after the Bulgarian Antarctic Base on Livingston Island reopened in mid-November 2025. In the area of South Bay on Livingston Island, the international team of scientists, with the help of the expedition's logistics team, are collecting samples for several scientific projects.