A number of key international agreements provide the framework for protected areas in Antarctica. Together, they are sometimes referred to as the Antarctic Treaty System. The most important of these for activities in Antarctica are as follows:

    The Antarctic Treaty

    Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, including Annex V, on Area Protection and Management

    Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)

    Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (CCAS)

    These agreements are enacted into national legislation by the Contracting Parties, which in turn applies to their citizens (and foreign nationals under certain circumstances).


    Domestic legislation specifically pertaining to protected areas in Antarctica:

    Australia
    Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection) Act 1980, and other Antarctic-related legislation.

    New Zealand
    Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act 1994, and other Antarctic-related legislation.

    United Kingdom
    The Antarctic Act 1994

    United States of America
    Antarctic Conservation Act 1978 (updated)

    [Note: This list is under construction. Countries with domestic legislation on-line related to Antarctica are encouraged to notify the web site maintenance team for the Committee for Environmental Protection so a link can be added. (Please email cep@cep.aq)]
    Last Update: 27-05-03