[Answered] In the context of the Antarctic Treaty and the Moon Agreement, how can nations strike a balance between exploration and preservation?

The urge to control resources over the South Pole and competition to dominate celestial bodies has raised questions of exploration & preservation in the context of agreements signed among nations to protect these resources. The Moon Agreement of 1979 is directed towards the use of the Moon and other celestial bodies & limits the scope of exploitation of resources from these celestial bodies. Such celestial bodies must only be used for peaceful purposes, with no state allowed to establish military bases or place weapons on celestial bodies. Antarctic Treaty on the other hand came into force in 1961 & aims to demilitarize Antarctica, establish it as a zone free of nuclear tests, & promote international scientific cooperation in Antarctica.

How can nations strike a balance between exploration and preservation?

• Monitoring & Regulations: Close monitoring systems regulate the activities of the countries with a presence in Antarctica to maintain their ecological integrity. These regulations should include strict guidelines on waste disposal, habitat protection, and sustainable resource use.
• Peaceful & scientific research: Nations should Encourage and prioritize scientific research in both regions. Scientific exploration often leads to a better understanding of ecosystems and celestial bodies, which can inform responsible practices. Nations should collaborate on research projects to minimize duplication and share knowledge.
• Global cooperation: Nations should work together to encourage international cooperation and coordination & reduce conflict. Collaboration can also lead to shared responsibility for preservation efforts. Eg success of Chandrayaan is the “success of all of humanity”.
• Off-limit zones: UNGA should designate and maintain protected areas in Antarctica and on the Moon. These areas can serve as natural laboratories or cultural heritage sites that are off-limits to exploitation and development. These zones would help preserve unique ecosystems and historical sites.
• Educational awareness: Nation-states can promote education and awareness about the importance of preservation in both Antarctica and on the Moon. Public support for conservation efforts can influence government policies and corporate practices.
• Regular Review and Adaptation: The need is to periodically review the treaties and agreements in place to ensure they remain relevant and effective. As technology advances and our understanding of these environments grows, it may be necessary to adapt regulations and practices accordingly.

Conclusion:

India’s mature stance on the moon mission reflects India’s stance on crafting a new chapter in balancing exploration & preservation of celestial bodies and the South Pole. India can cooperate with other nations to frame a new set of guidelines to protect outer space & south pole from debris & non-militarisation of outer space a non-negotiable arrangement.