Global Systems & Governance - Governance of Antarctica

Question 1

Why was the United Nations Envrionment Programme (UNEP) established?

Answer 1

UNEP was established by the United Nations in 1972 to provide global leadership and encourage cooperation in caring for the environment

Question 2

How does UNEP help to protect Antarctica?

Answer 2

• Coordinating and promoting global policies to address key environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution and waste
• Supporting research and monitoring in Antarctica to enhance knowledge and understanding of the impacts of human activity
• Raising awareness about the importance of Antarctica and its unique biodiversity
• Supporting the development of responsible

Question 3

When was The International Whaling Comission established?

Answer 3

The IWC was established in 1946 to regulate whale hunting and conserve whale populations

Question 4

How many members of the IWC are there?

Answer 4

88 member nations

Question 5

What does the International Whaling Commission state?

Answer 5

• Catch limits are set by species and area (this can be zero as it is for commercial whaling)
• Specific areas are designated as whale sanctuaries
• All calves are protected
• It encourages responsible whale watching as an alternative to hunting that can provide economic benefits and promote conservation
• It supports scientific research on whales to inform conservations and management

Question 6

What did the IWC impose in 1982?

Answer 6

In 1982, the IWC imposed a ban on commercial whaling (known as the IWC Whaling Moratorium 1982)

Question 7

What is The Antarctic Treaty?

Answer 7

The IWC was established in 1946 to regulate whale hunting and conserve whale populations

Question 8

When was the Antarctic Treaty signed?

Answer 8

It was originally signed in 1959 by 12 nations and today a total of 56 countries are signatories

Question 9

What does the Antarctic Treaty state?

Answer 9

• It states that there should be no nuclear activity
• It ensures that all signatory nations have the right to freely inspect any activities taking place in the region
• It prohibits new territorial claims
• It promotes freedom and cooperation for scientific investigation
• It states that Antarctica should be used for peaceful purposes only – no military use

Question 10

What is The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (1991)?

Answer 10

As pressure an Antarctica grew, it was decided that the Treaty needed to be strengthened to enhance the protection of the environment. The Protocol on Environmental protection (also known as Madrid Protocol) was signed by 45 nations in 1991

Question 11

What are some rules of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (1991)?

Answer 11

• Mining is prohibited
• Flora and fauna must not be harmed or removed
• Marine pollution is regulated
• Some harmful materials are banned completely
• Waste must be managed appropriately or removed from the continent
• Some areas are designated for extra protection
• All activities require environmental impact assessments