GP Demands Greater Involvement of Chile in Protection of Antarct

["greenbase" <greenbas@gb.greenpeace.org>]

GREENPEACE DEMANDS A GREATER INVOLVEMENT OF THE CHILEAN
GOVERNMENT IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OF ANTARCTICA.

As the Antarctic Environmental Protocol enters into force,
Greenpeace South Pacific expresses its satisfaction about the
Chilean government's signing and ratifying it, as another step
towards the permanent protection of Antarctica.

Antarctica is a natural reserve vital to all Humankind; but it
belongs to each and everyone of the inhabitants of the planet.
No country can claim ownership of its land and resources or act
guided by interests other than scientific cooperation for
peaceful purposes.

As one of the countries with a more permanent presence in
Antarctica, Chile has a great responsibility in the protection
of its ecosystems. Greenpeace SP expects the Chilean government
to respect the protocol and apply its terms to all the
activities it is conducting in Antarctica.

Rubbish dumps, abandoned bases and growing touristic activities
pose serious threats to the antarctic environment. The Chilean
government must abide by the terms of the protocol and
periodically give public account of the environmental impacts in
its area of operations. Greenpeace would be prepared to give
advice in matters such as waste disposal and dismantling of the
installations of abandoned bases.

The seas around Antarctica are rich in fisheries, which are
being exploited with disregard for international treaties and
regulations. Greenpeace SP demands a comprehensive ban of all
fishing activity and the application of strict controls on the
subantarctic seas.

Greenpeace SP urges president Eduardo Frei to guarantee that his
government will make every effort to help keeping Antarctica as
a natural reserve consecrated to peace and science.

Greenpeace on the Internet at http://www.greenpeace.org