Who Signed the Madrid Protocol Antarctica?

By Anna Duncan

The Madrid Protocol Antarctica is an international treaty that was signed in 1991. Its purpose is to protect the fragile and unique environment of Antarctica, which is home to many species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else on Earth. The treaty also aims to promote scientific research in Antarctica while ensuring that it is conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner.

What is the Madrid Protocol Antarctica?

The Madrid Protocol Antarctica, also known as the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, was adopted on October 4, 1991, and came into force on January 14, 1998. It builds upon the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, which established Antarctica as a scientific preserve and banned military activity on the continent.

Goals of the Madrid Protocol

The main goals of the Madrid Protocol are twofold: to protect the environment of Antarctica and its dependent ecosystems, and to ensure that scientific research activities are carried out in a way that does not harm this environment.

Who signed the Madrid Protocol?

As of 2021, there are 54 signatories to the Madrid Protocol. These include:

  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Brazil
  • Bulgaria
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • China
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark (including Greenland)
  • Ecuador
  • Finland
  • France (including French Southern and Antarctic Lands)
  • Germany
  • Greece/li >
  • Hungary/li >
  • Iceland/li >
  • India/li >
  • Italy (including the Italian Antarctic Territory)
  • Japan
  • Republic of Korea (South Korea)
  • Mexico
  • The Netherlands
  • New Zealand (including Ross Dependency)
  • Norway (including Bouvet Island, Peter I Island, and Queen Maud Land)
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Peru
  • Poland
  • Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira)
  • Russia

  • Slovakia

  • Slovenia

  • South Africa (including Marion Island and Prince Edward Island)

  • Spain (including the Canary Islands and Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa)

  • Sweden/li >
  • Switzerland/li >
  • Turkey/li >
  • The United Kingdom (including South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, the British Antarctic Territory, and the Falkland Islands)

  • The United States of America/li >

What are the obligations of signatories?

As signatories to the Madrid Protocol, countries have a number of obligations. These include:

  • Banning all activities relating to mineral resources except for scientific research purposes.
  • Making sure that all scientific research is conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
  • Making sure that all waste is properly disposed of according to strict guidelines.
  • Banning all military activity on Antarctica.
  • Designating and managing protected areas for scientific and environmental reasons.
  • Ensuring that all visitors to Antarctica are properly trained and equipped to minimize their impact on the environment.

Conclusion

The Madrid Protocol Antarctica is an important international treaty that helps to protect the unique environment of Antarctica while promoting scientific research in a responsible manner. With over 50 signatories, it is clear that many countries recognize the importance of this treaty and the need to work together to safeguard this fragile ecosystem for future generations.