Square Peg Round Hole: A Study of Non Governmental Organisations’ Participation in the Antarctic Treaty System

• Main Authors: Baynes, Vicky, Martin, Debs, Dale, Mary-Camillus, Ridgen, Jenny, Turner, Sam
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: 2002
• Subjects: Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10092/14346

Involvement of both national and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the Antarctic occurred even before there was a formal management regime for this vast region of the south. Their calls for peace and a co-operative approach came amongst claims for sovereignty. In 1958/59 the International Geophysical Year saw a major change in direction for the governance of the continent which led to an agreement, by 12 nations, on the Antarctic Treaty and the consequent development of a unique legal system. Since then, involvement in this system has been primarily limited to nations, with interested organisations at times struggling to have an effective voice. This paper examines the involvement of Non-Governmental Organisations in the govemance of Antarctica, the positive contributions they have made and the problems that have arisen. A new "Advisor" status is recommended to provide a mechanism by which Non Governmental Organisations can be more involved in the Antarctic Treaty System. In addition, governments are encouraged to include national Non-Governmental Organisations in their national Policy formation and delegation processes. This would ensure a more robust regime based on trust and a common interest in the stewardship of this remarkable region. Involvement of both national and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the Antarctic occurred even before there was a formal management regime for this vast region of the south. Their calls for peace and a co-operative approach came amongst claims for sovereignty. In 1958/59 the International Geophysical Year saw a major change in direction for the governance of the continent which led to an agreement, by 12 nations, on the Antarctic Treaty and the consequent development of a unique legal system. Since then, involvement in this system has been primarily limited to nations, with interested organisations at times struggling to have an effective voice. This paper examines the involvement of Non-Governmental Organisations in the govemance of ...