Introduction to 46^th Meeting of Antarctic Treaty UPSC

Welcome to PreCrack! Recently, a news has been making headlines that India is about to host the 46^th Consultative Meeting of Antarctic Treaty in Kochi, Kerala. India will host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) from May 20 to 30, 2024.

Why is Antarctic Treaty in the News? – UPSC Current Affairs 2024

The Antarctic Treaty is in the news as India prepares to host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) in Kochi, Kerala.

Complete Details about Antarctic Treaty – Antarctic Treaty UPSC

We have added a complete set of details about Antarctic Treaty below:

What is Antarctic Treaty?

The Antarctic Treaty is a pact signed in 1959 by countries all around the world to agree to use Antarctica only for peaceful and scientific purposes. It’s like a promise to keep Antarctica safe and protected.

Key Provisions of Antarctic Treaty

The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 and entered into force in 1961, was initially endorsed by twelve countries, later joined by many others, totaling 56 Parties to date. It asserts several significant provisions:

1. Peaceful Purposes: Antarctica is designated solely for peaceful purposes, prohibiting military activities (Art. I).
2. Freedom of Scientific Investigation: The treaty ensures freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and encourages cooperation for this purpose (Art. II).
3. Exchange of Scientific Observations: Signatories agree to exchange and freely share scientific observations and results from Antarctica (Art. III).
4. Territorial Claims: Seven countries, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom, have territorial claims in Antarctica, while others, like the US and Russia, maintain a “basis of claim.” Article IV protects all positions, maintaining the status quo and prohibiting any new territorial claims or expansions while the Treaty is in force.
5. Inspection: To ensure compliance with the Treaty’s objectives, all areas of Antarctica, including stations and installations, are open to inspection at all times (Art. VII).

Background

The background and history of the Antarctic Treaty traces back to the mid-20th century, amid growing international interest and tensions surrounding the exploration and potential exploitation of Antarctica. Here’s a detailed background:

1940s:

• Operation Highjump: After World War II, the United States led Operation Highjump, a large military expedition to Antarctica in 1946-1947, aimed at training military personnel and testing equipment in extreme cold conditions.
• Security Zone: In 1947, the US included Antarctica in the security zone of the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance, reflecting its strategic interest in the region.
• Internationalization Proposal: In 1948, the US proposed internationalizing Antarctica under the guardianship of the United Nations, but the idea faced opposition from several countries, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, and Norway.

International Conflicts:

• Tripartite Naval Declaration: Argentina, Chile, and the UK signed a Tripartite Naval Declaration in 1949, agreeing not to send warships below the 60th parallel south, following tensions over military activities in Antarctica.
• Legal Challenges: The UK filed lawsuits against Argentina and Chile in 1955, challenging their sovereignty claims over Antarctic territories before the International Court of Justice. However, both Argentina and Chile rejected the court’s jurisdiction.

International Geophysical Year (IGY):

• Scientific Collaboration: The International Geophysical Year (IGY), held from 1957 to 1958, spurred international scientific cooperation. During this period, discussions about Antarctic research and territorial claims intensified.
• Creation of SCAR: The Special Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR) was established during the IGY to facilitate scientific exchange and cooperation among nations conducting research in Antarctica.

Negotiation of the Treaty:

• Antarctic Conference: Concerns about escalating international tensions in Antarctica led to the convening of an Antarctic Conference in Washington in 1958, bringing together representatives from twelve nations involved in Antarctic research during the IGY.
• Treaty Signing: From October to December 1959, diplomats from these nations negotiated the Antarctic Treaty, which was eventually signed by twelve countries on December 1, 1959.

Key Provisions:

• Peaceful Purposes: The treaty emphasized the peaceful use of Antarctica, prohibiting military activities, nuclear testing, economic exploitation, and territorial claims.
• Scientific Freedom: It guaranteed freedom of scientific research in Antarctica and encouraged international cooperation in scientific endeavors.
• Environmental Protection: The treaty paved the way for subsequent agreements, including the Madrid Protocol on Environmental Protection in 1991, which prohibited mining and oil exploration in Antarctica.

Legacy:

• The Antarctic Treaty remains a landmark arms control agreement and a model for international cooperation in preserving the environment and promoting scientific research.
• Its consultative mechanism allows for regular meetings among member nations to discuss governance issues and ensure compliance with treaty provisions.
• The treaty’s provisions have facilitated the establishment of research stations in Antarctica, fostering ongoing scientific exploration and collaboration.
• As of 2048, consultative parties have the option to request a review of the treaty’s provisions, highlighting its adaptability to changing geopolitical and environmental circumstances.
• The Antarctic Treaty stands as a testament to the peaceful resolution of international disputes and the collective commitment to safeguarding Antarctica for future generations.

Objectives / Need of Antarctic Treaty

The Antarctic Treaty, born out of a complex historical and geopolitical context, serves several crucial objectives and addresses pressing needs related to the preservation and responsible management of Antarctica. Here are its primary objectives:

1. Peaceful Use of Antarctica

The treaty aims to ensure that Antarctica remains a region dedicated to peaceful purposes, free from military activities and armed conflict. This objective helps to prevent the militarization of the continent and promotes stability in the region.

2. Environmental Protection

Environmental conservation is a cornerstone of the treaty, which seeks to preserve Antarctica’s unique and fragile ecosystem. Provisions within the treaty prohibit activities that could harm the environment, such as nuclear testing, waste disposal, and resource exploitation.

3. Scientific Cooperation

Facilitating scientific research in Antarctica is a fundamental objective of the treaty. It guarantees freedom of scientific investigation and encourages international collaboration among nations conducting research in the region. This cooperation fosters advancements in scientific knowledge and understanding of Antarctica’s environment, climate, and geology.

4. Governance and International Cooperation

The treaty establishes a framework for governance in Antarctica, promoting cooperation and coordination among its signatory nations. Regular consultative meetings provide a platform for discussions on governance issues, environmental protection, and scientific research, fostering consensus-building and diplomacy.

5. Prevention of Territorial Claims

One of the critical needs addressed by the treaty is the prevention of territorial disputes and claims over Antarctica. By prohibiting new territorial claims and maintaining the status quo, the treaty helps to mitigate potential conflicts and ensures stability in the region.

6. Arms Control and Demilitarization

In the context of the Cold War era when the treaty was negotiated, preventing the spread of military activities to Antarctica was essential for global security. The treaty’s provisions prohibiting military operations and nuclear testing contribute to arms control efforts and demilitarization.

7. Sustainable Management of Resources

While the treaty initially focused on environmental and scientific concerns, subsequent agreements, such as the Madrid Protocol on Environmental Protection, introduced measures for sustainable management of Antarctic resources. This includes regulations on fishing, tourism, and mineral exploration to prevent overexploitation and ensure long-term sustainability.

8. Internationalization and Neutrality

By establishing Antarctica as a region of international cooperation and declaring it off-limits for territorial claims, the treaty promotes internationalization and neutrality in Antarctica. This objective reinforces Antarctica’s status as a global commons, belonging to all humanity and managed for the benefit of present and future generations.

Features

These are the key features of Antartic Treaty:

1. Peaceful Purposes: The treaty designates Antarctica for peaceful purposes only, prohibiting military activities and armed conflict on the continent.
2. Environmental Protection: It emphasizes the conservation of Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem, prohibiting activities that could harm the environment, such as nuclear testing and waste disposal.
3. Scientific Cooperation: The treaty promotes scientific research in Antarctica and facilitates international collaboration among countries conducting research in the region.
4. Freedom of Scientific Investigation: It guarantees freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica, allowing researchers to study the continent’s environment, climate, and geology.
5. Territorial Claims Prohibition: The treaty prohibits any new territorial claims or expansions in Antarctica, maintaining the status quo and preventing territorial disputes.
6. Consultative Meetings: Regular consultative meetings are held among treaty parties to discuss governance issues, environmental protection, and scientific research in Antarctica.
7. Arms Control: The treaty prohibits military activities, nuclear testing, and the establishment of military bases in Antarctica, contributing to global arms control efforts.
8. Demilitarization: By ensuring that Antarctica remains demilitarized, the treaty helps prevent the spread of military conflicts to the continent and promotes peace and stability in the region.
9. Resource Management: Subsequent agreements, such as the Madrid Protocol, introduce measures for the sustainable management of Antarctic resources, including fishing, tourism, and mineral exploration.
10. Internationalization: The treaty establishes Antarctica as a region of international cooperation, managed collectively for the benefit of all humanity, reinforcing its status as a global commons.

Consultative Parties

We have listed all the consultative parties of Antarctic Treaty

Non-Consultative parties

We have listed all the non-consultative parties of Antarctic Treaty

Key Documents

The Antarctic Treaty System comprises several key documents that govern the management and protection of Antarctica. Here’s an overview of some of these documents:

1. Antarctic Treaty: This foundational document establishes Antarctica as a region dedicated to peaceful purposes, scientific cooperation, and environmental protection. It prohibits military activities, nuclear testing, and territorial claims while promoting scientific research and international collaboration.
2. Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty: This protocol supplements the Antarctic Treaty by providing comprehensive environmental protection measures for Antarctica. It includes provisions for environmental impact assessment, conservation of fauna and flora, waste disposal and management, prevention of marine pollution, area protection and management, and liability arising from environmental emergencies.
3. Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR): This convention aims to conserve Antarctic marine life and ecosystems while ensuring sustainable fisheries management. It establishes mechanisms for the conservation and management of marine living resources in the Southern Ocean.
4. Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (CCAS): This convention focuses specifically on the conservation of Antarctic seals. It regulates activities such as sealing and establishes measures for the protection of seal populations in Antarctica.
5. Rules of Procedure of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and the Committee for Environmental Protection: These rules govern the procedures and conduct of meetings of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP). They outline the processes for decision-making, participation, and administration within the Antarctic Treaty System.

1. Antarctic Treaty

• Conference on Antarctica – Final Act
• The Antarctic Treaty

2. Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

• Final Act of the Eleventh Antarctic Treaty Special Consultative Meeting
• Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty
• Annex I: Environmental Impact Assessment
• Annex II: Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora
• Annex III: Waste Disposal and Waste Management
• Annex IV: Prevention of Marine Pollution
• Annex V: Area Protection and Management
• Annex VI: Liability Arising from Environmental Emergencies

3. Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)

• Final Act of the Conference on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
• Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
• Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (CCAS)
• Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals
• Special Permits for the Killing or Capturing of Seals

4. Secretariat

• Headquarters Agreement for the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty
• Staff Regulations for the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty
• Financial Regulations for the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty
• Measure 1 (2003): Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty

5. Rules of Procedure

• Rules of Procedure of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
• Rules of Procedure of the Committee for Environmental Protection

[if you want to know about these documents in details, then you can use this official website for the extensive texts]

Related Agreements

The Antarctic Treaty System is complemented by several related agreements aimed at furthering environmental protection and conservation efforts in the Antarctic region. These agreements include:

1. Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid, 1991)

This protocol supplements the Antarctic Treaty by establishing comprehensive environmental protection measures for Antarctica. It addresses issues such as environmental impact assessment, conservation of fauna and flora, waste disposal, prevention of marine pollution, and liability arising from environmental emergencies. Accession to this protocol is open to Antarctic Treaty Parties only.

2. Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (CCAS, London, 1972)

Seal hunting in the early 19th century led to the serious depletion of Antarctic seal populations by the 1820s. To address this, the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (CCAS) was developed by the Consultative Parties and signed in London on 1 June 1972. It aims to conserve Antarctic seal populations and regulate seal hunting activities. The CCAS entered into force in 1978.

3. Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR, Canberra, 1980)

The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) was signed in Canberra on 20 May 1980 and entered into force in 1982. It aims to conserve and sustainably manage marine living resources in the Southern Ocean, including krill and finfish. CCAMLR covers the area between the Antarctic Convergence and the 60th parallel south. One of its notable features is the ecosystem-based approach to conservation, which considers the broader impacts on the Antarctic ecosystem when managing marine resource harvesting.

Complete List of Consultative Meetings of Antarctic Treaty

We have listed all the consultative meetings of Antarctic Treaty: (we have updated the list)

Significance of Antarctic Treaty

These are the key significance of Antarctic Treaty:

1. Peaceful Purposes: The Antarctic Treaty designates Antarctica for peaceful purposes only, ensuring it remains a territory of scientific cooperation rather than military conflict.
2. Scientific Research: It guarantees freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and promotes international collaboration in scientific endeavors, fostering advancements in various fields such as climate science, geology, and biology.
3. Environmental Protection: The Treaty prohibits nuclear testing, military activities, and commercial resource exploitation, safeguarding Antarctica’s pristine environment and unique ecosystems.
4. Exchange of Scientific Data: Signatories are obligated to exchange scientific observations and results, contributing to global knowledge and understanding of Antarctica’s climate, geology, and biodiversity.
5. Territorial Claims: The Treaty suspends existing territorial claims and prohibits new ones, preventing sovereignty disputes that could lead to conflict.
6. Open Access: All areas of Antarctica, including research stations, are open for inspection to ensure compliance with the Treaty’s provisions.
7. International Governance: The Treaty establishes a framework for international governance of Antarctica, ensuring that decisions regarding its management are made collectively by the Consultative Parties.
8. Consultative Parties: Consultative Parties have voting rights and play a significant role in decision-making related to Antarctic governance, reflecting a cooperative approach to managing the continent.
9. Non-Consultative Parties: Non-Consultative Parties, though lacking voting rights, benefit from the Treaty’s provisions and can participate in discussions on Antarctic matters.
10. Adaptability: The Treaty has proven adaptable over time, evidenced by the inclusion of the Protocol on Environmental Protection, which addresses modern environmental concerns and ensures the continued protection of Antarctica’s delicate ecosystem.

10 Key Facts about Antarctic Treaty

These are the 10 key facts about Antarctic Treaty:

1. Historic Signing

The Antarctic Treaty was signed on December 1, 1959, in Washington, D.C., by 12 countries actively involved in Antarctic research during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-1958.

2. Cold War Context

The Treaty was negotiated during the Cold War era, reflecting international efforts to prevent geopolitical tensions from extending to Antarctica, which was seen as a neutral territory.

3. Peaceful Purposes

Central to the Treaty is the stipulation that Antarctica should be used exclusively for peaceful purposes, with military activities, nuclear testing, and the establishment of military bases prohibited.

4. Scientific Cooperation

The Treaty promotes scientific collaboration by guaranteeing freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and the exchange of scientific data among signatory nations.

5. Sovereignty Suspension

The Treaty neither recognizes nor disputes existing territorial claims in Antarctica, effectively freezing them and preventing new claims from being made while the Treaty is in force.

6. Consultative and Non-Consultative Parties

The Treaty distinguishes between Consultative Parties, which have decision-making powers and actively participate in Antarctic governance, and Non-Consultative Parties, which do not have voting rights but still benefit from Treaty provisions.

7. Environmental Protection

In 1991, the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol) was adopted, addressing environmental concerns such as waste management, wildlife conservation, and pollution prevention.

8. Entry into Force

The Treaty entered into force on June 23, 1961, after ratification by the original 12 signatory nations. Since then, it has been acceded to by numerous other countries, with the current total number of Parties standing at 54.

9. Cooperative Management

Under the Treaty, Antarctica is managed collectively by the Consultative Parties, who convene annually for the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) to address matters related to governance, conservation, and scientific research.

10. Enduring Relevance

Despite challenges such as climate change and increased human activity in Antarctica, the Treaty remains a cornerstone of international cooperation and environmental stewardship, ensuring that the continent remains a global commons dedicated to peaceful and scientific endeavors.

FAQs – 46^th Meeting of Antarctic Treaty UPSC Questions

Question 1: When was the Antarctic Treaty signed?

A) 1945

B) 1955

C) 1959

D) 1969

Answer: (C) 1959: The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 in Washington, D.C.

Question 2: How many countries initially signed the Antarctic Treaty?

A) 7

B) 10

C) 12

D) 15

Answer: (C) 12: The Treaty was initially signed by 12 countries involved in Antarctic research during the International Geophysical Year.

Question 3: What is the primary purpose of the Antarctic Treaty?

A) Military expansion

B) Environmental exploitation

C) Scientific cooperation

D) Territorial conquest

Answer: (C) Scientific cooperation: The Treaty promotes international collaboration for scientific research in Antarctica.

Question 4: Which of the following is NOT prohibited by the Antarctic Treaty?

A) Military activities

B) Nuclear testing

C) Economic exploitation

D) Wildlife conservation

Answer: (C) Economic exploitation: The Treaty prohibits military activities and nuclear testing but promotes wildlife conservation.

Question 5: How many Consultative Parties are there in the Antarctic Treaty System?

A) 12

B) 21

C) 28

D) 35

Answer: (B) 21: Consultative Parties actively participate in Antarctic governance and decision-making.

Question 6: What distinguishes Consultative Parties from Non-Consultative Parties in the Antarctic Treaty?

A) Territorial size

B) Military strength

C) Decision-making power

D) Population density

Answer: (C) Decision-making power: Consultative Parties have voting rights and play a significant role in Antarctic governance.

Question 7: What additional protocol addresses environmental concerns in Antarctica?

A) Antarctic Protocol

B) Madrid Protocol

C) Environmental Pact

D) Antarctic Conservation Agreement

Answer: (B) Madrid Protocol: The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, also known as the Madrid Protocol, addresses environmental issues.

Question 8: What is the primary purpose of the Madrid Protocol?

A) Economic development

B) Environmental protection

C) Military expansion

D) Scientific research

Answer: (B) Environmental protection: The Madrid Protocol aims to protect the Antarctic environment and its ecosystems.

Question 9: Which of the following is a key provision of the Antarctic Treaty?

A) Territorial sovereignty claims

B) Military base construction

C) Nuclear weapon testing

D) Peaceful purposes clause

Answer: (D) Peaceful purposes clause: The Treaty mandates that Antarctica be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

Question 10: How many articles are there in the Antarctic Treaty?

A) 5

B) 10

C) 12

D) 15

Answer: (C) 12: The Antarctic Treaty consists of 12 articles outlining its provisions and regulations.

Question 11: What does Article IV of the Antarctic Treaty address?

A) Environmental protection

B) Scientific cooperation

C) Territorial sovereignty claims

D) Military activities

Answer: (C) Territorial sovereignty claims: Article IV addresses the suspension of territorial claims in Antarctica.

Question 12: Which country proposed the idea of internationalization of Antarctica before the Antarctic Treaty was signed?

A) United States

B) Argentina

C) United Kingdom

D) Soviet Union

Answer: (A) United States: The U.S. proposed internationalization of Antarctica before the signing of the Treaty.

Question 13: How many countries are currently Parties to the Antarctic Treaty?

A) 45

B) 54

C) 63

D) 72

Answer: (B) 54: The Treaty has been acceded to by 54 countries since its inception.

Question 14: What is the primary focus of the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM)?

A) Economic development

B) Military strategy

C) Scientific research

D) Environmental regulation

Answer: (D) Environmental regulation: ATCMs focus on governance, conservation, and environmental management in Antarctica.

Question 15: Which of the following agreements is NOT a part of the Antarctic Treaty System?

A) Madrid Protocol

B) Antarctic Conservation Agreement

C) Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals

D) Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources

Answer: (B) Antarctic Conservation Agreement: This is not a part of the Antarctic Treaty System.

Question 16: When did the Madrid Protocol enter into force?

A) 1980

B) 1988

C) 1991

D) 1999

Answer: (C) 1991: The Madrid Protocol entered into force in 1991 to address environmental protection in Antarctica.

Question 17: What is the primary goal of the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)?

A) Wildlife tourism promotion

B) Marine resource exploitation

C) Krill conservation

D) Territorial expansion

Answer: (C) Krill conservation: CCAMLR aims to conserve Antarctic marine living resources, including krill.

Question 18: Which country hosted the first Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM)?

A) Australia

B) Argentina

C) United States

D) United Kingdom

Answer: (A) Australia: The first ATCM was hosted by Australia in Canberra.

Question 19: What major historical event prompted the negotiation of the Antarctic Treaty?

A) World War I

B) Cold War

C) Great Depression

D) World War II

Answer: (B) Cold War: The Treaty was negotiated during the Cold War to prevent geopolitical tensions from spreading to Antarctica.

Question 20: How often are the Rules of Procedure of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting updated?

A) Annually

B) Biennially

C) Every five years

D) Every ten years

Answer: (A) Annually: The Rules of Procedure are updated annually, reflecting changes and developments in Antarctic governance and conservation.