Reaffirming ongoing commitment to the prohibition on Antarctic mineral resource activities, other than for scientific research
The Representatives,
Recognising that the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (“the Protocol”), which has been in force for more than two decades, is an essential element of current efforts to protect the Antarctic environment;
Noting that Article 7 of the Protocol prohibits any activity relating to mineral resources, other than scientific research, in the Antarctic Treaty area;
Taking into account that, outside the Antarctic Treaty system, many hold the mistaken belief that the Protocol expires in 2048;
Recalling that the Protocol contains no expiration date and that Article 25 relates solely to the possibility of a review conference at the request of any Antarctic Treaty Consultative Party after the Protocol has been in force for 50 years;
Recommend that their Governments:
1. commit to dispelling the myth that the Antarctic Treaty or the Protocol expire, either in 2048 or at any other time;
2. 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;
3. reaffirm their commitment to Article 7 of the Protocol; and
4. declare their firm commitment to continue to implement this prohibition 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 has been in force for more than two decades, is an essential element of current efforts to protect the Antarctic environment;
Noting that Article 7 of the Protocol prohibits any activity relating to mineral resources, other than scientific research, in the Antarctic Treaty area;
Taking into account that, outside the Antarctic Treaty system, many hold the mistaken belief that the Protocol expires in 2048;
Recalling that the Protocol contains no expiration date and that Article 25 relates solely to the possibility of a review conference at the request of any Antarctic Treaty Consultative Party after the Protocol has been in force for 50 years;
Recommend that their Governments:
1. commit to dispelling the myth that the Antarctic Treaty or the Protocol expire, either in 2048 or at any other time;
2. 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;
3. reaffirm their commitment to Article 7 of the Protocol; and
4. declare their firm commitment to continue to implement this prohibition as a matter of highest priority to achieve the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems.
