Confirming ongoing commitment to the prohibition on Antarctic mineral resource activities, other than for scientific research; support for the Antarctic Mining Ban
The Representatives,
Recognising that the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (“the Protocol”), which was signed twenty-five years ago, is an essential element of current efforts to protect the Antarctic environment;
Noting that Article 7 of the Protocol provides that in the Antarctic Treaty area any activity relating to mineral resources, other than scientific research, shall be prohibited;
Taking into account that outside the Antarctic Treaty system there are many in the public and media who incorrectly believe that the Protocol expires in 2048;
Recalling that in accordance with its Article 25, the Protocol does not expire in 2048;
Recalling that in paragraph 5 of the Washington Ministerial Declaration on the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty the Consultative Parties reaffirmed their commitment to Article 7 of the Protocol;
Recommend that their Governments:
1. acknowledge the benefits to the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems that have resulted from the prohibition on activities relating to mineral resources, other than scientific research, under Article 7 of the Protocol;
2. reaffirm their commitment to Article 7 of the Protocol; and
3. declare their firm commitment to retain and continue to implement this provision as a matter of highest priority to achieve the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems.
The Representatives,
Recognising that the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (“the Protocol”), which was signed twenty-five years ago, is an essential element of current efforts to protect the Antarctic environment;
Noting that Article 7 of the Protocol provides that in the Antarctic Treaty area any activity relating to mineral resources, other than scientific research, shall be prohibited;
Taking into account that outside the Antarctic Treaty system there are many in the public and media who incorrectly believe that the Protocol expires in 2048;
Recalling that in accordance with its Article 25, the Protocol does not expire in 2048;
Recalling that in paragraph 5 of the Washington Ministerial Declaration on the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty the Consultative Parties reaffirmed their commitment to Article 7 of the Protocol;
Recommend that their Governments:
1. acknowledge the benefits to the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems that have resulted from the prohibition on activities relating to mineral resources, other than scientific research, under Article 7 of the Protocol;
2. reaffirm their commitment to Article 7 of the Protocol; and
3. declare their firm commitment to retain and continue to implement this provision as a matter of highest priority to achieve the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems.
