Antarctic Treaty

The Antarctic Treaty supports territorial claims made before 1959, by New Zealand, Australia, France, Norway, United Kingdom, Chile, and Argentina. Under the treaty, the size of these claims cannot be changed and new claims cannot be made. Most importantly, the treaty establishes that any treaty-state has free access to the whole region. As such, research stations supported by a variety of treaty-states have been constructed within each of these territorial claims, 47 states have signed the Antarctic Treaty.

The Antarctic Treaty was an important geopolitical milestone because it was the first arms control agreement established during the Cold War. Along with the IGY, the Antarctic Treaty symbolized global understanding and exchange during a period of intense division and secrecy.

The Antarctic Treaty System covers such topics as pollution, conservation of animals and other marine life, and protection of natural resources.

The yearly Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting is a forum for the Antarctic Treaty System and its administration. 28 of the 47 treaty-states have decision making powers during these meetings. These include the 12 original signatories of the Antarctic Treaty, along with 16 other countries that have conducted substantial and consistent scientific research there.Read more