Antarctic Treaty

The Antarctic Treaty

The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 by 12 countries (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, Norway, New Zealand, South Africa, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States of America), and entered into force in 1961.
As of January 2025, the Treaty has 58 Parties.

The Antarctic Treaty applies to the area south of 60 degrees South Latitude. The Treaty contains the following principal provisions:

  • Peaceful use of Antarctica (including prohibition on establishing military bases and carrying out military maneuvers) (Article 1)
  • Freedom of scientific investigation and promotion of international cooperation (Articles 2 and 3)
  • Freeze of territorial claims (Article 4)
  • Prohibition on nuclear testing and radioactive waste disposal (Article 5)
  • Inspection to ensure compliance with the Treaty (Article 7)
  • Convening of meetings to consult on matters of common interest pertaining to Antarctica and to formulate measures in furtherance of the principles and objectives of the Treaty (Article 9)

Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

Being adopted in 1991 and entering into force in 1998, the Protocol aims to provide comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment and its ecosystems. The Protocol has the following six Annexes:

  • Environmental impact assessment (Annex I)
  • Conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora (Annex II)
  • Waste disposal and waste management (Annex III)
  • Prevention of marine pollution (Annex IV)
  • Area protection and management (Annex V)
  • Liability arising from environmental emergencies (Annex IV) (not yet in force)

Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings and the Antarctic Treaty System

The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) is an annual meeting comprised of 29 Consultative Parties who are the original 12 Parties to the Treaty as well as other 17 Parties that demonstrate their interest in Antarctica by conducting substantial research activity there. These Parties meet "for the purpose of exchanging information, consulting together on matters of common interest pertaining to Antarctica and formulating and considering and recommending to their Government measures in furtherance of the principles and objectives of the Treaty" (Art. IX).

The Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) takes place concurrently with the ATCM to provide advice and formulate recommendations to the Parties in connection with the implementation of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.

To date, the ATCMs have adopted over 500 Recommendations, Measures, Decisions and Resolutions. Many of them are concerned with the protection of the Antarctic environment, the designation of Antarctic Specially Protected Areas, and technical matters relating to Antarctic research activities. Others relate to the operation of the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat and regulatory measures concerning Antarctic tourism. In addition, special meetings have been convened to address specific issues, leading to the adoption of instruments such as the “Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources” and the “Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals.”

These measures and conventions adopted under the Antarctic Treaty and other agreements concerning Antarctica are collectively known as the “Antarctic Treaty System.”

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