How the change works
- 01 / Public decision
Treaty and Protocol
- 02 / Physical change
Common rules
- 03 / Possible outcome
Peace and Research
Agreements can reserve territory for cooperation before exploitation transforms it.
Research and local documents ↓What the evidence tells us
The Antarctic Treaty establishes peaceful use. The Environmental Protocol prohibits mining activities, except for scientific research.
An agreement built over time
- 1959
The signing of the Treaty
The signatory States define peaceful use and scientific cooperation.
- 1961
The Treaty enters into force
The common framework becomes operational.
- 1998
The Environmental Protocol comes into force
The activities are subject to protection rules and to the mining ban with a scientific exception.
The Protocol does not expire in 2048. Any revisions follow specific conditions.
Research and local documents ↓Conditions and limits
The Protocol does not expire in 2048: a revision may be requested under the established conditions. Military support for peaceful purposes is allowed.
Other possible benefits
Knowledge and protection of vulnerable ecosystems.
Research and local documents
- Local project or policy documentAntarctic Treaty Secretariat · The Antarctic Treaty ↗
Institutional documentation of the program, territory or rules mentioned.
- Local project or policy documentAntarctic Treaty Secretariat · Environmental Protocol ↗
Institutional documentation of the program, territory or rules mentioned.