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Principles of Protection of the Antarctic Environment
recommended by SCAR
The primary objective in protecting the Antarctic is to avoid or minimize disturbance by human activity. The principles recommended by SCAR to achieve this comprise:
- the conservation of the diversity and integrity of natural phenomena and systems, both in the context of the Antarctic and Planet Earth;
- preservation of the genetic diversity of indigenous biota by ensuring that adequate representative populations of animals and plants are maintained in situ;
- prevention of the introduction and establishment of non-indigenous species to the greatest extent possible;
- conservation of unique natural features, localities or complexes of features and sites of historical importance, which should remain undisturbed;
- protection of cultural values, such as scenic beauty and inspirational quality, wilderness status and recreational potential.
Most of the principles for the protection of the Antarctic environment recommended by SCAR have been incorporated into the "Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty" and its five Annexes on: Environmental Impact Assessment (Annex 1), Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora (Annex II), Waste Disposal and Waste Management (Annex III), Prevention of Marine Pollution (Annex IV) and Area Protection and Management (Annex V) (see SCAR Bulletin no 110, July 1993).
Scientific research and the exchange of information, which encompasses both the provision of baseline data and the monitoring of change, is an essential part of environmental protection.
SCAR Secretariat
Scott Polar Research Institute
Lensfield Road
Cambridge CB2 1ER
United Kingdom
21 July 2000
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