Protection of Antarctica Flashcards
Define Resilience (ecological)
Amount of disturbance an ecosystem can withstand without changing structure or process
Define Mitigation
Actions, strategies, measures or projects (manmade) to offset the known detrimental impacts of the process
Define Adaptation
Adjustment alteration in structure/function of an organism/system that allows it to survive better in changing environments
What organisation monitors & researches the resilience, mitigation and adaptation of Antarctic species?
SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research)
How does SCAR conduct their research in Antarctica?
Holistic approach to coordinating research
Also operates an advisory capacity to coordinating research for the IPCC - advised on science & conservation affecting Antarctica’s governance
Outline the different plant species in Antarctica
Lichens - 200 species
Mosses - >50 species
Algae - >700 species
2 flowering plant species:
Antarctic hair grass
Antarctic pearlwort
Outline how emperor penguins survive in Antarctica?
Parents have pouches to keep children warm
Parents regurgitate food to children
Children huddle together for warmth
Outline how Adelie Penguins adapted in Antarctica
Before: colonies grew 10% every year
2001: iceberg calved off Ross ice shelf & moved 70km N
Penguins adapted to abundance of Krill as diet -> 230,000 penguins (20% increase)
Define the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS)
Main remedy for international governance of Antarctica
Outline the Antarctic Treaty (date, Nations that signed, location, aims)
December 1959
12 nations (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, UK, USA, Soviet Union)
South 60° latitude
Guaranteed free access & research right - all countries work for science research
Outline 3 aims of the 14 articles of the Antarctica Treaty
- Prohibit military activities - peaceful
- Guarantee freedom to conduct scientific research
- Inspect any ships, equipment or stations to ensure they follow the Treaty
When did the Antarctic Treaty come into force
23 June 1961
What has the Antarctic Treaty evolved into?
The ATS - governed by the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM)
46 signatories (28 are ‘Consultative Parties’ that are original signatories or are conducting research)
Outline the Madrid Protocol of the Antarctic Treaty (date, purpose)
Antarctic Treaty conference (Madrid) 1991
Negotiated by UN - give extra protection of Antarctica especially against mineral exploration
Outline 4 components of the Madrid Protocol
- Keep Antarctica as a natural reserve
- Prohibit mining or any mineral resource exploration
- Establish a committee for environmental protection
- Undergo environmental audits to inspect the area
Outline ASOC
Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition
30 different NGOs in 1 umbrella group (e.g WWF, Greenpeace & Friends of the Earth)
Outline the aims of ASOC
Convince governments to:
1. Prevent oil, gas and mineral exploitation by blocking ratification of proposed minerals convention
2. Open up ATS to include NGOs
3. Conclude negotiation of world’s 1st ecosystem as a whole treaty on fishing
What happened to ASOC in 1991 and in the future?
ASOC gained observer status in ATS and can attend annual meetings
Can now also:
Regulate Antarctic tourism
Manage southern ocean fisheries including Krill (impact on food web)
