The Natural Environment of Antarctica

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		International Efforts to Protect Antarctica

	The Intrinsic Value of Antarctica

	The natural environment of Antarctica has unique values for us human beings. While pristine environment is constantly decreasing on Earth, the Antarctic Continent, which covers approximately 1/12 of the entire global land area, remains out of human activities. The unique natural environment supports local wildlife and keeps the historical record of the Earth. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty recognizes three intrinsic values of Antarctica: "... its wilderness and aesthetic values and its value as an area for the conduct of scientific research, in particular research essential to understanding the global environment."

Photograph:Charles Glover


	Wilderness Value Antarctica is the biggest pristine area on Earth and has little disturbance by human activities and the resulting environmental destruction and pollution.

	Aesthetic Value Shining icebergs amid the deep blue sea, pure white land that expands toward the horizon, mountains exposed in ice sheets, unique wildlife, and mystic aurora--- All these provide us with magnificent landscapes that can be found nowhere else.

	Value as an area for the conduct of scientific research to understanding the global environment
	Since Antarctica is geographically distanced from human activities and environmental pollution, it is a perfect site to collect baseline data on the global environment. Antarctica also contains the information on the Earth since its birth in a particularly good condition.


	Animals of Antarctica

	Landscape of Antarctica

	Environmental Protection

	It is indispensable for us to cooperate internationally and promote environmental activities in each country in order to protect the precious nature of Antarctica. Japan as well has been working with the international community, ratified international treaties on Antarctica, and enacted domestic laws.

	Antarctic Treaty
	The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 by 12 countries including Japan and entered into force in 1961. It was one of the results of the International Geophysical Year (1957-58), when the global society worked together on maintaining and progressing international cooperation in scientific research.

	Antarctic Teaty

	Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
	Countries that have conducted substantial research activities in Antarctica such as the establishment of a scientific station or the dispatch of a scientific expedition in Antarctica meet in order to reassure in order to promote the objectives and ensure the observance of the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty. In recent years the meetings cover issues that may affect Antarctica's status as the common property of all humankind, such as environmental impacts caused by scientific research and tourism.

Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting

	Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol)
	In Madrid, Spain, in 1991, the Parties to the Antarctic Treaty concluded the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. The Protocol placed Antarctica as an area devoted to the world peace and science, and it entered into force in 1998.

Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocal)

	Law Relating to Protection of the Environment in Antarctica
	Japan has been actively promoting the protection of the Antarctic environment under the Law Relating to Protection of the Environment in Antarctica (1998), after signing the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty in December 1997. The Law regulates and restricts activities in Antarctica through application and approval procedures of the Antarctic Activity Plans.

	Efforts to Protect Antarctica in Japan

	International Efforts to Protect Antarctica

	Law Relating to Protection of the Environment in Antarctica

	Procedures for Visiting Antarctica from Japan