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The Antarctic Treaty A brief history .
“The Antarctic Treaty is indispensable to the world of science which knows no national or other political boundaries; but it is much more than that. I believe it is a document unique in history which may take its place alongside the Magna Carta and other great symbols of man's quest for enlightenment and order.” Laurence Gould
The Antarctic Treaty • Antarctica is “a natural reserve devoted to peace and science” • The Antarctic Treaty manages the region’s wildlife • Mining is forbidden • The Treaty runs indefinitely • Forty-four countries have acceded to the Antarctic Treaty (80% of the world population) • All 44 countries have to agree to Treaty revisions
No Country “owns” Antarctic Many Countries have claimed regions of Antarctica from the time of the early explorers.
INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL YEAR JULY 1, 1957 – DECEMBER 31, 1958 Science in Antarctica was emphasized in 1957 and 1958. The International Polar Year (IPY) was celebrated in 2008 and 2009 and emphasized all polar research.
Preamble of the Treaty • The Governments of Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, the French Republic, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Union of South Africa, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America, • Recognizing that it is in the interest of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue for ever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord; • Acknowledging the substantial contributions to scientific knowledge resulting from international cooperation in scientific investigation in Antarctica;
Preamble Continued • Convinced that the establishment of a firm foundation for the continuation and development of such cooperation on the basis of freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica as applied during the International Geophysical Year accords with the interests of science and the progress of all mankind; • Convinced also that a treaty ensuring the use of Antarctica for peaceful purposes only and the continuance of international harmony in Antarctica will further the purposes and principles embodied in the Charter of the United Nations; • Have agreed as follows:
