After a lengthy bit of activism from Greenpeace, the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was created in 1998 through the Antarctic Treaty System to protect the Antarctic ecosystem.
Some of the Provisions Include
Countries such as Canada took it further and expanded on the protocol within themselves. Under Canadian Law, the Antarctic Environmental Protection Act aims to protect the fragile Antarctic ecosystem by ensuring oversight of Canadian influence in the area. This influence as defined by presence of Canadian ships, airplanes, corporations, or residents in the southernmost region.
Anyone under these circumstances or participating in a mission under the name of Canada may not:
http://www.ats.aq/e/ep.htm
Some of the Provisions Include
- Establishing the Antarctic continent as a wilderness so that careful consideration is given to activities in the area
- Prohibition of mining unrelated to scientific purposes
- Environmental care must be taken for all activities - especially tourism
Countries such as Canada took it further and expanded on the protocol within themselves. Under Canadian Law, the Antarctic Environmental Protection Act aims to protect the fragile Antarctic ecosystem by ensuring oversight of Canadian influence in the area. This influence as defined by presence of Canadian ships, airplanes, corporations, or residents in the southernmost region.
Anyone under these circumstances or participating in a mission under the name of Canada may not:
- Introduce unlawful substances or organisms to the region
- Burn or dispose of waste openly
- Discharge substances which could prove damaging to the natural environment
- Transport, sell or obtain anything contrary to policy in the area
http://www.ats.aq/e/ep.htm