Claims of Iran on Antarctica and its Impact on the Antarctic Treaty: 16 Feb, 2024

Why in News

• Recently, the Iranian Navy Commander announced plans to establish a military operation in Antarctica, challenging the Antarctic Treaty principles.

Antarctic Treaty:

• Inception: Signed in Washington in 1959 by 12 countries engaged in Antarctic science; it became effective in 1961.
• Purpose: Aims to keep Antarctica demilitarized, dedicating it solely to peaceful scientific research.
• Geographical Scope: Applies to regions south of 60°S latitude.
• Membership: As of now, 56 countries are parties to the treaty, with India joining in 1983.
• Secretariat Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Original Signatories: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the UK, the USA, and the USSR.

Key Provisions and Supplementary Agreements:

• Territorial Claims: 
  • Suspends all pre-treaty territorial claims; neither recognizing nor dismissing them, and prohibits new claims as long as the treaty is active. 
  • Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, France, Norway, and the UK had territorial claims prior to the treaty.

• Environmental and Conservation Efforts:

• 1972: Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Seals.

• 1980: Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).

• 1991: The Protocol on Environmental Protection, enhancing conservation efforts and environmental protection in Antarctica.