Antarctic international law
Activities in Antarctica and its surrounding seas are governed by a unique agreement between nations: the Antarctic Treaty. Australia was one of 12 original Parties to the Treaty, which entered into force in 1961.
Our Treaty Obligations explains the purpose and the history of the Antarctic Treaty, including the full text. There are sections on how the Treaty deals with Antarctic territorial claims, including claims by Australia, other international agreements such as the Law of the Sea, and the annual round of Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM).
Treaty Partners outlines the interests of the 46 countries that have become parties to the Antarctic Treaty since 1961. You'll also find links to the major international institutions that have been formed in response to the requirements of the Antarctic Treaty System, including scientific, intergovernmental, non-government and industry organisations.
In recognition of Antarctica as the last great wilderness on earth the Madrid Protocol was created under the Antarctic Treaty System in 1991 to make certain mutually agreed resolutions on the environment legally binding upon member nations.
The Protocol has six annexes, related to:
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora
- Waste Disposal and Waste Management
- Prevention of Marine Pollution
- Area Protection and Management
- Liability (not yet in force)
Our site provides a useful introduction to the Protocol plus the complete text.
The environmental aspects of activities in the marine environment surrounding Antarctica are principally governed by the provisions of the following:
Antarctic environmental laws and guidelines - Designed to provide ready reference to the policy initiatives concerning the protection of the Antarctic Environment. This page provides direct links to source documents.
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