The Antarctic Treaty
The successful cooperation
of many nations during the IGY of 1957-1958
brought a new spirit to the world scientific community and the desire
for a more permanent special agreement between nations engaged in
scientific research in Antarctica. As a result, in 1958 the United
States initiated the idea of a conference dedicated to the establishment
of an Antarctic treaty. After several preparatory talks and negotiations,
the conference materialized and on December 1, 1959, the Antarctic
Treaty was signed by the representatives of 12 nations. It is truly
a remarkable document, unique among international agreements.
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Growing
Membership
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| There are now 44 parties to the Treaty.
The parties meet annually to discuss
issues as diverse as scientific cooperation, measures to protect
the environment, management of tourism and preservation of historic
sites. |
It formalized
and guaranteed the kind of free access and research rights that
prevailed so successfully during the IGY, and established a legal
framework for all countries to work together for the common cause
of scientific research and exchange of ideas. The Treaty does not
recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims, and no new
claims may be asserted.
It further states that Antarctica
shall be used for peaceful purposes only, thus prohibiting activities
of a military nature, and subjecting all areas and stations to on-site
inspection. The Treaty also prohibits nuclear explosions and the
dumping of nuclear waste. The Treaty also provides for an exchange
of information, interchange of scientific personnel, preservation
of historic sites, protection of native birds, animals, and plant
life, adoption of specially protected areas and sites of special
scientific interest, exchange of information on marine and mineral
resources and sealing, and guidelines for tourist and private expeditions.
Since entering into force on June 23,
1961, the Treaty has been recognized as one of the most successful
international agreements ever negotiated.
Antarctica is designated as a 'natural
reserve, devoted to peace and science'.
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Among
the concerns of Treaty nations in have been the potential problems
that might arise through any future exploitation of fish and mineral
resources. As a result, by 1980 Treaty members had established a commission
with the responsibility of regulating fishing activity to ensure that
protection and harvesting are based on sound scientific principles.
The commission created a scientific committee to provide for maintenance
of resource populations at a sustained level and ecological balance
between harvested, dependent, and related species.
Antarctic Treaty nations have met on
several occasions for the purpose of anticipating the problems of
exploitation, and to assume the responsibility for the protection
of the environment and wise use of the resources. The Treaty nations
agreed to refrain from conducting any exploration or exploitation,
and that exploitation will not be permitted unless satisfactory measures
are first established to protect the unique Antarctic environment.
One of the finest testimonials to the
spirit of international cooperation generated during the IGY and perpetuated
by the Antarctic Treaty has been the abiding cooperative research
by scientists, even those whose home nations were involved in strong
tensions and military confrontations. During the Cuban missile crisis
and the fighting in Vietnam and in the Falkland Islands, all those
in the Antarctic scientific community continued an unbroken and peaceful
exchange of information. Under the Antarctic Treaty, activities on
the continent have truly proclaimed this "a continent of peace."
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