Short Background Brief On Antarctica

The Antarctica Continent

1. Antarctica is the last great wilderness on earth, famous for its breathtaking scenery and spectacular wildlife.

2. In many ways, Antarctica is also the most fragile place on earth. The terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems are extremely vulnerable to disturbance. In such incredibly harsh climatic conditions, growth is very slow and recovery can take years. A footprint on a mossbed may remain unchanged for a decade.

3. But Antarctica's value is not limited to the aesthetics of its wilderness. Around 70 pct of the world's fresh water reserves are in Antarctica and the whole Antarctic area is the vital engine which drives much of our global climate.

4. Antarctica also has immense scientific importance. It is a pure outdoor laboratory. For example, it is one of the only places where global trends in pollution can be measured and it was in Antarctica that the ozone hole was first discovered.

   DECISION MAKING

5. During the 1957/58 International Geophysical year, scientists from 67 countries carried out a widespread research programme in Antarctica. In an effort to build on this scientific cooperation and to regulate human activity, the Antarctic Treaty was negotiated and signed in 1959.

6. Under the terms of the Treaty, decision-making is made entirely by consensus. Antarctica is designated exclusively for peaceful purposes with priority to "freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation towards that end". Weapon testing, nuclear explosions and radioactive waste disposal are forbidden, although some use of military personnel and machinery are permitted for purposes of logistic support.

7. Decision-making over Antarctica takes place at the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM). Here, governmental representatives of the 26 "Consultative Nations" - those nations with serious scientific interests and research programmes in Antarctica meet and agree policy.

   ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

8. During the 1980's, Antarctic Treaty Parties negotiated a convention to regulate mineral exploitation in Antarctica. This was completed but subsequently abandoned when, following an international campaign spearheaded by Greenpeace, France and Australia refused to ratify the convention on environmental grounds.

9. Following the success of intense pressure from the global environmental lobby, in 1990 & 1991 the Treaty Parties negotiated a Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty on Environmental Protection - known as the Madrid Protocol.

10. All 26 Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties needed to ratify the Protocol through their own national constitutional procedures before the agreement could enter into force. In strict legal terms, the Protocol enters into force 30 days after the official instruments of the final ratification are officially deposited. Japan, the final Antarctic Treaty Consultative party to ratify the Protocol, formally deposited in Washington DC on December 15. (The US Government acts as formal repository). The Protocol therefore enters into force this coming Wednesday 14th January.

    THE MADRID PROTOCOL

11. The Central provision of the Protocol is the mining ban - a moratorium on all commerical mineral exploitation for at least 50 years. It also introduces strengthened and legally binding measures governing waste disposal, marine pollution and the conservation of flora and fauna. Also, under the terms of the Protocol, Environmental Impact Assessments must be prepared for all proposed visits to Antarctica, regardless of purpose.