Who is protecting Antarctica?

Who is protecting Antarctica?

Greenpeace has campaigned for one covering huge areas of the Antarctic, in the Weddell Sea. At 1.8 million square kilometres, it would be the largest protected area on Earth.

What country protects Antarctica?

The Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington on 1 December 1959 by the twelve nations that had been active during the IGY (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States and USSR).

Who has tried to claim Antarctica?

Seven sovereign states have made territorial claims in Antarctica, which are Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom.

What does Australia do to protect the Antarctic?

So generally countries operating in Antarctica have a good understanding of what other countries are doing including their environmental practices. The research that we do is to support Australia’s efforts to protect the Antarctic environment and to feed into the Antarctic treaty system’s Committee for Environmental Protection.

What is the protocol for protection of the Antarctic environment?

These measures, which were more or less incorporated into Annex II of the Protocol for Protection of the Antarctic Environment, prohibit the taking of species without a permit and the introduction of non-native species, and designate specially protected species.

Why is the Antarctic Treaty System so important?

The Antarctic Treaty system ensures protecting the unique Antarctic environment is a fundamental consideration in the planning and conduct of all activities in Antarctica.

Is it true that Antarctica belongs to all countries?

Antarctica does not belong to any one country. Any country that wants a say in how Antarctica is goverened must become a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty. However, prior to the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959 several countries had made claims to parts of Antarctica, some of which overlapped.