Publication

Who Owns Antarctica? Governing and Managing the Last Continent

Author: Peter Beck

Abstract

In spite of its inhospitable environment and isolated position, Antarctica consistently draws the attention of the most powerful countries in the world. The continent acts as the environmental engine which drives the oceans currents, and possesses untold resource potential. Antarctica also plays host to a vast spectrum of invaluable scientific research which has re-defined our understanding of geologic histroy and climate change. No fewer than seven states claim sovereignty over parts of the ice-covered continent which overall accounts for some 10% of the world's land surface. An exception to many of the norms of sovereignty, Antarctica is maintained by a complex territorial regime under the Antarctic Treaty System. This Briefing examines the background to those claims and traces the evolution of, and prospects for, the Antarctic Treaty System. This System provides a framework for the preservation of peace, stabilty and scientific cooperation in the 'last great wilderness on earth'. The International Polar Year in 2007-08 promises to once again bring the issue of Antarctic territorial claims to the forefront.

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