What is the Antarctic Treaty System's purpose?

Answer 1

In 1959, the Antarctic Treaty was signed by 12 nations, not only to protect the continent and its environment, ignore land claims and prohibit future land claims, but also to ensure that it remains demilitarised.

Indeed, the Antarctic Treaty governs all of the land south of 60 degrees South Latitude, which includes the continent of Antarctica.

It is enforced by peer pressure among governments, and regular inspections.

Answer 2

The main objective of the ATS is to ensure in the interests of all humankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord. Pursuant to Article 1, the treaty forbids any measures of a military nature, but not the presence of military personnel or equipment for the purposes of scientific research.

Answer 3

The Antarctic Treaty and related agreements, collectively known as the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), regulate international relations with respect to Antarctica, Earth's only continent without a native human population. For the purposes of the treaty system, Antarctica is defined as all of the land and ice shelves south of 60°S latitude. The treaty, entering into force in 1961 and currently having 50 parties -- representing about 80% of the earth's population, sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, establishes freedom of scientific investigation and bans military activity on that continent. The treaty was the first arms control agreement established during the Cold War.

Another Answer

Amendments to the Treaty also govern use of the Southern Ocean south of 60 °S latitude. Specifically, the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) adopted in 1980.

Answer 4

The Antarctic Treaty covers all of planet earth south of 60 degrees S. It was signed by governments representing 80% of the earth's population; it dedicates the area to science and reserves it for peaceful purposes. You can read it here -- ats.aq/e/ats.htm

Answer 5

The Antarctic Treaty is unique in governance of land on planet Earth.

The treaty dedicates all land and ice south of 60 degrees S to the scientific study of the planet's health. Its Marine Protocols protect the included Southern Ocean. It's form of governance is condominium.

No other cooperative form of governance has been this successful in protecting land, sea birds and sea mammals from exploitation by mankind.

Without the treaty, this geography would have been exploited, and prevented its natural benefit to all life on Earth.

Answer 6

The Antarctic treaty preserves all land and ice south of 60 degrees S, for peaceful purposes, especially the scientific study of the health of planet Earth.

As well, its Marine Protocols protect the Southern Ocean for the same purposes.

Answer 7

because we have to save Antarctica because its one of the only pristine places left on earth

Answer 8

The Antarctic Treaty preserves all land and ice south of 60 degrees S for the scientific study of the health of planet earth.