Polar environments - OCRPolar case study - sustainable management - IAATO
Polar environments provide opportunities for development but also face risks from a range of human activities, which will require sustainable management solutions.
International agreements allow standards to be set to ensure that economic development does not happen at the expense of the environment. The Antarctic Treaty was signed on 23 June 1961 by 12 countries then active in Antarctic science. It remains in force indefinitely, with the support of 53 nations.
Its objectives are simple, yet unique in international relations:
to demilitarise Antarctica, and make it free from nuclear testing and the disposal of radioactive waste
to promote international scientific research
to set aside disputes over territorial sovereigntyA state's right to exercise its powers within its territory.