ANTARCTIC TREATY
A major step in global collaboration
The Antarctic Treaty, established in 1959, is an international agreement whose main objective is to ensure the peaceful and scientific use of Antarctica, while preventing sovereignty disputes in this region. The treaty originated after twelve countries signed it in December 1959, after conducting scientific activities during the 1957-1958 International Geophysical Year in the Antarctic region.
This treaty, which entered into force in 1961, establishes the rules for the governance of the waters and lands south of the 60° parallel and involves 54 countries, with 12 of them being the original signatories. It is important to note that among the countries that signed the Antarctic Treaty are seven nations (Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, Norway, New Zealand and the United Kingdom) that have territorial claims in Antarctica, some of which partially overlap. However, other countries make no claims in this region.
The headquarters of the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat has been located in Buenos Aires since September 2004, and plays a crucial role in the administration and monitoring of this international agreement. In summary, the Antarctic Treaty is a fundamental instrument that regulates activity in Antarctica, promoting scientific cooperation and peace in this region.
Collaboration for conservation
Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR):
The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) was created in 1982 through an international agreement for the purpose of preserving marine life and flora in the Antarctic region. This initiative arose in response to increased interest in the commercial exploitation of Antarctic krill, an essential component of the Antarctic ecosystem, and concerns about the historical over-exploitation of other marine resources in the Southern Ocean.
CCAMLR has held annual meetings in Hobart, Australia, since 1982. These meetings include the Commission (CCAMLR) and the Scientific Committee (SC-CAMLR) and are conducted in the four official languages of CCAMLR (English, French, Russian and Spanish), with simultaneous interpretation.
2. Madrid Protocol on Environmental Protection:
The Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty on Environmental Protection, in force since 1998, designates Antarctica as a natural reserve dedicated to peace and science. It contains principles to regulate human activities in the region and prohibits the exploitation of mineral resources unless for scientific purposes. It is often misunderstood that the Protocol takes effect in 2048, but this is incorrect. For the first 50 years (until 2048), it can only be amended by unanimous agreement of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties, and after this period, any Consultative Party can convene a conference to revise it. These agreements include the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals in 1972 and the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) in 1980.
Latin American Antarctic Institutes
These Latin American institutes and organizations play an important role in scientific research, environmental conservation and international cooperation in the Antarctic region, contributing to the knowledge and preservation of this fragile ecosystem.
About Agenda Antártica
Discover our work
Who are we?
Non-profit organization (2012) that promotes policies towards Antarctic conservation from a Latin American perspective.
Where do we come from?
Co-editor together with ASOC of Antarctic Affairs (9 years), governmental lobbying, educational activities and environmental impact work.
Our vision
Key environmental organization in Latin America that promotes the conservation of Antarctica and the Southern Oceans.
What we do
Policy advocacy, political lobbying, stakeholder engagement, civil society awareness and education.
Our Partners
Committed to promoting the conservation of Antarctica and the Southern Oceans.
Together, we have the power to influence the future of Antarctica and all of humanity. “The creation of marine protected areas is very important because the first thing it does is to protect the overall biodiversity of a place (…). By removing the stress effect caused by fishing from these areas, it allows the ecosystem, thanks to its natural resilience, to cope with the impact of climate change.
Dr. Rodolfo Werner
Senior Advisor ASOC/ PEW