Which article number deals with the protection of native flora and fauna?

Answer 1

In the Antarctic Treaty, there is no per se mention of native flora and fauna. However, according to the Treaty Web site: "The Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora is a set of measures agreed on the third "Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting" in Brussels 1964 as recommendation number VIII."

An interpretation of the Measures, again from the Web site reads:

"Protection of the Antarctic environment has been a central theme in the cooperation among Antarctic Treaty Parties. In 1964, the ATCM adopted Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora. These Measures laid the basis for a regulatory system of general rules and specific regulations that provided extra protection in Specially Protected Areas. Subsequently the ATCM adopted a number of measures on various issues to widen, complement and strengthen the protection of the Antarctic environment.

"A new stage was reached with the adoption of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty in Madrid in 1991. Through the Environment Protocol the Contracting Parties 'commit themselves to the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems and … designate Antarctica as a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science'. The Protocol prohibits all activities relating to Antarctic mineral resources, except for scientific research."