CASE STUDY: The Antarctic Treaty Flashcards
The Antarctic Treaty came into force in 1961, and by 2015 there were 53 signatory nations. This international agreement has been extended several times in order to regulate international relations on the Earth’s only continent without a native human population. It sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, establishes freedom of scientific investigation and bans military activity on the continent. The signatory nations meet regularly to review issues and add additional agreements or protocols, such as the Madrid Protocol. This protocol came into force in 1998, prohibiting any exploitation of Antarctic mineral resources for 50 years, except for scientific research. The treaty is heralded as one of the most successful international agreements. It has allowed nations to peacefully cooperate to further scientific research and understanding of the Earth. For example, environmental monitoring in Antarctic led to the discovery of the stratospheric ozone hole in the early 1980s.
The Antarctic Treaty recognises tourism as a legitimate activity in Antarctica and it regulates the industry (Figure 239). Tourism companies are required to have a permit to visit the continent, and guidance is given to visitors so that they are aware of their responsibilities when in the Antarctic Treaty area. Commercial tourism using both ships and aircraft has increased steadily since the first commercial expeditions in the 1950s, and the total number of tourists visiting Antarctica peaked in the 2007/08 season at around 46,000.
