Antarctic Treaty

Year signed1959
TypeEnvironment
RegionGlobal
Parties12 original, 58 parties

About the Antarctic Treaty

Frozen continent dedicated to peace and science, no military activity, no nuclear tests or waste, no territorial claims recognized though existing claims frozen, free scientific access and inspection. The arms control success of the Cold War worst years, and the model for the Outer Space and Seabed treaties. The Madrid Protocol of 1991 banned mining indefinitely, with a review possible from 2048. Governance now stresses climate, tourism, and krill.

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