The Antartic Treaty Flashcards
How many countries have made territorial claims on parts of the Antarctic?
7
What year was the Antarctic treaty signed in?
1959
Why was the Antarctic treaty drawn up?
To protect Antarctica from exploitation and to protect its native fauna
Does the Antarctic treaty allow any military action on the continent?
No, it prohibits ‘any measures of military nature’
What to do with the military does the Antarctic treaty not prevent?
‘The use of military personnel or equipment for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose’
What activity is these freedom for in Antarctica?
scientific investigation
Which countries were the original signatories of the Antarctic treaty?
Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Union of South Africa, Russia, the United Kingdom and the USA
What did more recent appendices (1991) detail?
Protection of the environment, the removal of all waste limiting of tourist numbers.
What further agreement came into force in 1998?
The Madrid protocol
What did the Madrid protocol ban?
All mining activities in Antarctica, it designated the continent as a ‘natural reserve devoted to peace and science’
When will the Madrid protocol be reviewed?
2048
What natural resources have been discovered in Antarctica?
Coal, hydrocarbons, iron ore, gold and mineral deposits have been found, although they’re not considered large enough to exploit
