Antarctic Treaty

Source-This post on Antarctic Treaty has been created based on the article “India hosts the Antarctic Parliament: The history of the Antarctic Treaty” published in “The Indian Express” on 27 May 2024.

Why in News?

The 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting started on May 20, in Kochi, Kerala.

About the Antarctic Treaty

1. It is an international agreement that governs activities in Antarctica. It was signed on December 1, 1959, and entered into force on June 23, 1961.

2. Purpose: The treaty designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve and ensures that it remains exclusively for peaceful purposes.

3.  The treaty was initially signed by 12 nations that were active in Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year of 1957-58. These included major countries like the USA, USSR, and the UK, among others. As of 2024, the treaty has 56 member parties.

4. India is also party to Antarctic Treaty from 1983.

5. The Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) includes additional agreements that manage international relations regarding Antarctica.

6. Primary Goals:

a) Scientific Freedom: This treaty ensures that scientific research in Antarctica is conducted freely and cooperatively.

b) Peaceful Usage: It designates the continent as a zone for peaceful activities only, banning military operations.

c) Demilitarization: It aims to keep the continent free from military conflicts and hostilities.

d) Status Quo on Claims: The treaty acknowledges existing territorial claims, yet it prohibits the establishment of any new claims.

7. Principal Provisions

a) Geographical Coverage: The treaty covers all territories south of 60° South Latitude

b) Resource Exploitation and Claims: It prohibits new territorial claims and resource exploitation.

c) Nuclear-Free Zone: It establishes Antarctica as a nuclear weapon-free zone.

8. Significance of the treaty:

a) The treaty has evolved to address new challenges like marine conservation and environmental protection.

b) The treaty acknowledged need for decisions that consider long-term impacts on global ecology and geopolitics.

c) The treaty promotes compromise and invites broad participation, making it a successful international agreement.

9. Challenges: Despite its success, the treaty faces ongoing challenges due to environmental changes and human activities.

Read more: 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46)

UPSC Syllabus: International treaty