Antarctic Governance and Conservation

Flashcards for key concepts related to the governance and conservation of Antarctica, including treaties, organizations, and protocols.

Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) Scope

A complex set of agreements (Treaty, Madrid Protocol, CCAMLR) regulating international relations and human activity on the continent.

International Geophysical Year (IGY) Impact

Occurring in 1957-58, scientists from 67 countries worked together in Antarctica, proving that international scientific cooperation was possible despite the Cold War.

The Antarctic Treaty (1959): Article I

Establishes that Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only; military bases and weapons testing are strictly prohibited.

The Antarctic Treaty (1959): Article IV

Freezes all existing territorial claims, ensuring no new claims are made while the treaty is in force to avoid geopolitical conflict.

Original Member Nations

The 12 nations active in Antarctica during the IGY that signed the original 1959 treaty, including the USA, USSR, UK, and Argentina.

Madrid Protocol (1991): Designation

Formally designates Antarctica as a 'natural reserve, devoted to peace and science,' granting it the highest level of environmental protection.

Madrid Protocol: Mining Ban

Article 7 prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources, except for scientific research. This ban is technically indefinite.

Madrid Protocol: The 2048 Clause

The mining ban can only be reviewed after 50 years (in 2048) and requires a majority of 75\% of consultative parties to change.

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) Levels

Activities must undergo three levels of review: 1. Preliminary (less than minor/transitory), 2. Initial (minor or transitory), and 3. Comprehensive (more than minor).

CCAMLR and the Ecosystem Approach

The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources manages the Southern Ocean by looking at the whole ecosystem, not just individual fish stocks.

The Role of Krill

Krill are the keystone species of the Antarctic food web; CCAMLR sets strict catch limits to ensure there is enough for whales, seals, and penguins.

IWC Commercial Whaling Moratorium

Established in 1982 (effective 1986), it set a zero-catch limit for commercial whaling to allow depleted stocks to recover.

Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR)

An inter-disciplinary committee that initiates and coordinates international scientific research and provides advice to the ATS.

Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC)

A global coalition of over 30 NGOs that acts as an observer, pressuring governments to uphold environmental standards.

Tourism Figures (2019/20)

Over 74,000 tourists visited Antarctica in the 2019/2020 season, marking a significant increase from previous decades.

IAATO: Self-Regulation

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators; a voluntary industry body that sets limits on ship size (500 passengers) and landing sites.

Pro: Success of ATS Governance

Has successfully prevented military conflict and nuclear testing for over 60 years, creating a unique global commons.

Con: Consensus Decision Making

All decisions require unanimous agreement, meaning a single nation can block progress on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) or environmental rules.

Pro: Tourism as a 'Force for Good'

Creates 'ambassadors' who see the fragility of the continent firsthand and contribute to its protection through advocacy and donations.

Con: Environmental Impact of Tourism

Risks include the introduction of invasive species (seeds on boots), potential oil spills from cruise ships, and overcrowding of sensitive breeding sites.

Geographic Fact: Fresh Water

Antarctica holds approximately 70\% of the world's fresh water and 90\% of the world's surface ice.

Pro: Mining for Resource Security

Arguments for mining suggest that as global resources vanish, Antarctica's minerals could be vital for future human technology and survival.

Con: Mining Environmental Hazards

The extreme environment makes cleaning up an oil or chemical spill near-impossible, potentially destroying unique ecosystems for centuries.