Antarctica Treaty System – UPSC Prelims

  • Antarctic Treaty and related agreements are collectively known as the Antarctic Treaty System.
  • It regulates international relations with respect to Antarctica.
  • Antarctica is defined as all of the land and ice shelves south of 60°S latitude.
  • Antarctic Treaty Secretariat Headquarters is in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  • India officially acceded to the Antarctic Treaty System in August 1983.
  • Antarctic treaty:
    • Entered into force in 1961
    • Currently has 53 parties
    • Sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve
  • Provisions:
    • Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only.
    • Freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and cooperation toward that end shall continue.
    • Scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available.

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