Preserve the ice memory for future generations

In the heart of Antarctica, the very first Ice Memory Sanctuary opened on January 14th 2026. This world-first facility safeguards glacier ice cores for centuries, preserved naturally at -50°C to protect our planet’s climate memory.

Today, it stands as a unique site of scientific collection  — and a call to the international scientific community to contribute. By providing heritage ice cores, the Ice Memory Foundation and his partners help build a global archive for future generations. This Antarctic sanctuary is the first of its kind, with the ambition to inspire similar initiatives worldwide.

S.A.S Prince Albert II of Monaco, Honorary President of the Ice Memory Foundation.

Why Antarctica?

Antarctica offers the most stable natural conditions on Earth to preserve ice cores for centuries. 
Beneath the surface, temperatures remain naturally constant between -50°C and -54°C, year-round, without the need for energy-consuming refrigeration.
This environment eliminates risks linked to power outages, equipment failures, or geopolitical instability — making it the safest location for long-term ice core storage.

At 3,200 metres altitude, the French-Italian Concordia Station, operated by IPEV (Institut Paul-Émile Victor) and PNRA/ENEA, provides a robust scientific infrastructure in one of the coldest, driest and most remote regions of the world.
As part of the Antarctic Treaty System, this land is not claimed by any nation and is governed by international cooperation.

How was it built?

A natural snow-dug structure

• 35 metres long, 5 metres high and wide
• Dug 9 metres below the surface into compact snow
• No foundations, no artificial cooling
• 100% passive conservation using natural Antarctic cold (-52°C)

An innovative, low-impact design

• Designed by ENEA’s Antarctic Technical Unit, with support from IPEV
• Field-tested since the 2018–2019 summer campaigns
• Reinforced with natural snow arches for structural durability
• Compliant with the Madrid Protocol on environmental protection in Antarctica

The ice cores journey to Antarctica

A sustainable and approved scientific facility

• Approved in 2024 by the Antarctic Treaty System (ATCM46)
• Among the most remote and eco-responsible conservation sanctuaries ever built

Ethical & scientific governance

The Ice Memory Sanctuary is founded on the principle that climate archives are a unique treasure for humanity. The heritage ice cores stored in Antarctica will not be owned by any single nation or institution.
Access to these samples will be granted solely on scientific goals, based on ethical, transparent criteria — not geopolitical or economical interests.

Over the coming decades, a dedicated international governance model will be established, ensuring durability, fair and global access. The goal: make these frozen archives available to future generations of researchers, under fair and collaborative oversight.

 Thomas Stocker, University of Bern, Chair of the Ice Memory Foundation

Partners and collaborators

Logistic partners

Philanthropic partner