Guidance Material for Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA) designations

The Representatives,

Noting that Article 4 of Annex V to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (“the Protocol”) provides for the designation of Antarctic Specially Managed Areas (“ASMA”) “to assist in the planning and co-ordination of activities, avoid possible conflicts, improve co-operation between Parties or minimise environmental impacts”;

Recalling the requirements under Articles 5 and 6 of Annex V to the Protocol to prepare and review Management Plans for Antarctic Specially Protected Areas and ASMA;

Noting that the Guide to the Preparation of Management Plans for Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (Resolution 2, 2011) and Guidelines for Implementation of the Framework for Protected Areas set forth in Article 3, Annex V of the Environmental Protocol (Resolution 1, 2000) were developed to assist Parties in their work under Annex V;

Recognising the value of also having guidelines to assist Parties in consideration of potential ASMA and in the development of management plans for these areas;

Noting the work of the Committee for Environmental Protection in developing such guidance;

Recognising that guidance is non-mandatory;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. the Guidance for Assessing an Area for a Potential Antarctic Specially Managed Area Designation annexed to this Resolution (Annex A) be used by those who will engage in assessing an area for potential designation as an Antarctic Specially Managed Area (“ASMA”); and

2. the Guide to the Preparation of Management Plans for Antarctic Specially Managed Areas annexed to this Resolution (Annex B) be used by those engaged in the preparation or revision of Management Plans for ASMA.