Antarctic politics and science are coming into conflict

Extract

The current political regime for the Antarctic stemmed from the activities of the non-governmental International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) in planning and implementing the IGY (1957–58); subsequently the Antarctic Treaty came into force in 1961. The Treaty promotes freedom of scientific research and international co-operation and in the first two decades of its existence this was an undisputed priority. SCAR, a committee of ICSU, is a non-political organization, which initiates, promotes and co-ordinates scientific research in the Antarctic. SCAR has always attached the highest importance to environmental protection and for over thirty years has readily accepted an advisory role in relation to the Treaty System. One Convention (CCAS on seals) has a built-in advisory role for SCAR - an unusual, probably unique function for an NGO. Another (CCAMLR on marine resources) often seeks advice from SCAR. The success of the Antarctic Treaty System owes much to SCAR.