Login
Antarctica proof of international law success
Half a century since a historic agreement was signed to scientifically preserve Antarctica, experts claim the 50-year success of the agreement should provide a valuable lesson that international…
Lawyers Weekly
Half a century since a historic agreement was signed to scientifically preserve Antarctica, experts claim the 50-year success of the agreement should provide a valuable lesson that international co-operation can work.
| ICY FRONTIER: The Antarctic Treaty's 50th anniversary |
Since the agreement was signed in 1959 a further 35 countries have come on board to sign the treaty, which covers an extensive area of land and sea across the Antarctic continent. It's a mark of success, said Australian National University history professor Tom Griffiths, and one that proves international co-operation is possible on environmental protection.
"The Antarctic Treaty provides a compelling model for international co-operation, and Australia was a significant player in its formation," Griffiths said in a statement to the media.
The last 50 years has also seen the original agreement further bolstered, including the addition of a protocol for environmental protection and a convention for the conservation of living marine resources.
