A treaty for a continent
Twelve nations with interests in Antarctica came together in December 1959 to sign a landmark agreement: the Antarctic Treaty. The treaty, which came into force on June 23, 1961, describes Antarctica as a "natural reserve devoted to peace and science'. The treaty provides for any member nation of the UN that has a research base in Antarctica, to accede to it. At the end of 2001, the treaty had 45 signatories; 27 of these had a Consultative Party (ATCP) status and enjoyed voting rights at the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCMs). The 26th ATCM will be held in Madrid (Spain) in June this year.
The Cambridge (UK)-based Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) coordinates scientific research in Antarctica. It advises on scientific and environmental issues. Its recommendations form the basis for agreements to safeguard Antarctica's environment.
The treaty has notched up a few successes. Two ATCP conventions
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