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BOX 10–1
Antactica's Unique Treaty Arrangements
Under the Antarctic Treaty, the seven states claiming territory there have agreed with non-claimant parties to the Treaty t set aside the disputed territorial status of Antarctica in order to carry out agreed-upon activities in the area.
While the Treaty is in force, no act or activities taking place will 'constitute a basis for asserting. supporting or denying a claim to territorial sovereignty in Antarctica'. nor may any new claim. or enlargement of an existing claim, be asserted.
Decisions are taken by consensus, which guarantees to both claimant and non-claimant states that no activity or management practice prejudicial to their position on the territorial status of Antarctica will be approved. The Treaty provides for on-site inspection at any time in any or all areas of Antarctica by designated nationals of the consultative parties.
Source: Based on Lee Kimball. 'Testing the Great Experiment' Environment. September 1985.
Oceanic Research to attend as observers meetings of the Commission or the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). The European Economic Community is also a CCAMLR member as a result of its member states ceding competence to it with respect to fisheries management policies.
93. For the ATS to remain viable into the, next century, it will need to continue to evolve and adapt itself to deal with new issues and new circumstances. Although the Treaty could run indefinitely, in 1991 any of the Consultative Parties may call for a general conference of the signatory nation to review its operation.
1. Guard Present Achievements
94. Although further change in the management status of Antarctica is inevitable, it is essential that such change not jeopardize the achievements of the Treaty System in the areas of peace. science. conservation, and environment. Antarctica has been an agreed zone of peace for nearly 30 years, free of all military activities, nuclear tests, and radioactive wastes. This is a foundation on which humanity must build.
95. Cooperation in scientific investigation has steadily expanded; it must be further strengthened, especially concerning Antarctica's role in global atmospheric and oceanic circulation and world climate. At the same time. more efforts should be made to secure full participation in such research. Means must be found to expand consultation and participation and to extend the benefits or international cooperation in Antarctic science and technology to the international community as a whole.
