Territory of the Heard and McDonald Islands

Heard Island and McDonald Islands, located almost 4,100 km away from the southwestern side of Perth, are sub-Antarctic islands with volcanically active regions. The overall property covers about 658,903 hectares. The uniqueness of the islands is that they have physical and biological processes without any disturbance made by humans. Also known as HIMI, the territory of Heard and McDonald islands refer to the Australian external territory. This territory includes some barren Antarctic islands extending from Madagascar to Antarctica. However, some international-level conservation agreements have been made to manage the HIMI Marine Reserve. 

World Heritage Convention

Implemented in 1972, this Convention is intended to identify, protect, conserve, and present the natural and cultural heritage with universal value to humankind. In 1997, the World Heritage List included the territory of Heard and McDonald islands due to its natural values. Some regions of HIMI also provide the best habitat for wetland species. 

CCAMLR, An Agreement for Conserving Marine Resources

Made in 1980, the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources created a proper management routine for Antarctic marine ecosystem conservation.In the territory of Heard and McDonald islands,the HIMI fishery and HIMI EEZ zones are covered under the Convention.

A Commission was also created to deal with CCAMLR to implement the proposed goals of conserving the Antarctic marine beings. Moreover, the Commission checks the steps for controlling harvesting activities to achieve the goal. These steps include-

• Limits on the precautionary catch
• Fishing seasons
• Harvesting processes
• Regulation of waste disposal

The Biological Diversity Convention-

The marine reserve setup of territory of Heard and McDonald islands, helps Australia stay committed to the Biodiversity Convention, 1992. 

According to the Convention, the concerned parties must conserve biological diversity and use the components sustainably. One of the major facts about the Convention is implementing a system for the protective zones. 

French Government and Australian Government’s Treaty for Australian External Territory

The French and Australian governments’ agreement in the maritime zones close to the Australian external territory of Heard and McDonald islands was made in 2003, and this contract promotes better cooperation between the two countries. Moreover, Australia and France have done some research activities in the Area of Cooperation. It comprises an exclusive economic zone, HIMI Territorial sea, and EEZ of Saint-Paul Island, Kerguelen Islands, Saint-Paul Island, and the Crozet Islands. 

CAMBA- An Agreement for Protecting the Environment and Migratory Birds

It is a Treaty between the Government of China and the Australian Government. After signing CAMBA, the authoritative bodies of these countries have taken measures to protect these migratory birds and the green environment.

The shallow marine waters, freshwater, and terrestrial zones of the territory of Heard and McDonald islands provided the habitat for different animal species, including the non-breeding birds and breeding birds. Some specially conserved bird species are king penguin, cape petrel, fulmar prion, wandering albatross, broad-billed petrel, and greenshank.

Jamba- An Agreement for Protecting the Endangered Birds and Migratory Birds-

Similar to CAMBA, JAMBA is a contract between Japan and the Australian Government. So, according to the agreement’s details, both these countries have to take measures to protect and manage the endangered birds and migratory birds.

International Agreement on Regulating Whaling

In 1946, there was an agreement made to conserve the whale stocks. The major purpose was to develop the whaling industry. It ensures the protection of some species to promote research, especially for whale sanctuaries.

The Marine Reserve in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary was set up under a Convention in 1979, preventing disturbance to the breeding and migrating whales. The EEZ for Australia is presently the whale sanctuary, according to the EPBC Act.

Cities- For Endangered Flora and Fauna

CITIES represents the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The global trade related to wild plants and animals should not threaten their survival. Thus, the agreement has placed control on trade activities.

Conclusion

Heard Island and nearby McDonald Islands are home to Australia’s only active volcanoes. Volcanic activity has occurred on Heard Island since the mid 1980s. The Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands, which includes the islands and the surrounding ocean to 12 nautical miles, was designated a World Heritage site in 1997.

The treaties are intended to protect the environment and marine living resources of the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands include several initiatives.

 Tourists cannot visit the Heard and McDonald Islands until they get permission from the Australian Antarctic Division. The conservation status reflects the special qualities of the islands.