Antarctic Treaty Papers

What is the Antarctic Treaty System?

The ATS has its roots in the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 which, in turn, developed from a general desire by the original signatories to put the sovereignty question to rest, or at least to sleep, while the business of scientific cooperation continued. The guiding principles of the Antarctic Treaty set out in Article I and Article II are, respectively, the dedication of Antarctica for peaceful purposes only and the continuance of freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation. Rather than establish a formal organization, Article IX provided for periodic meetings of the representatives of the Consultative Parties to the Treaty. The meetings allowed these representatives to exchange information, consult on issues relevant to the area, and formulate recommendations to their respective governments on various measures necessary to further the objectives of the Treaty (Article IX). The Treaty, by allowing states the competence to develop a continuing process of Antarctic law and politics through the Consultative Meetings, provided the foundation for the Antarctic system.

According to the Madrid Protocol, the 'Antarctic Treaty system' means:

the Antarctic Treaty, the measures in effect under the Treaty, its associated separate international instruments in force and the measures in effect under those intruments. (Article 1(e))

The ATS, now that the Protocol has entered into force, is composed of:

1. the Antarctic Treaty;
2. the 200+ recommendations adopted at the Consultative Meetings which are in effect;
3. treaties in force: the 1972 Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals, the 1980 CCAMLR, and the 1991 Protocol with Annexes; and
4. meaures in effect under those treaies.

For a map illustrating the relationship of some of the Antarctic Trety components see ICAIR.

For a discussion of the various provisions of the Antarctic Treaty relating to Antarctic Treaty Meetings see:

Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCMs) - (ICAIR)

• 1994 Kyoto ATCM Report - (ICAIR)

For a list of signatories of the Antarctic Treaty visit the ICAIR. Antarctic Treaty Signatories - (ICAIR) The list identifies ATCPs and non-ATCPs.

For a list of recommendations adopted by the ATCPs between 1964 and 1994 visit the ICAIR. Recommendations - (ICAIR)

For a discussion of the various provisions of the Antarctic Treaty relating to Meetings of Experts see:

Meetings of Experts - (ICAIR)