Developing an Iranian Antarctic science roadmap: a legal and policy outlook

• Published in: The Yearbook of Polar Law Online
• Main Authors: Madani, ZE, Jabour, J
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Brill - Nijhoff 2018
• Subjects: Law and Legal Studies; Law; International Law (excl. International Trade Law); Antarctic; The Antarctic; Endeavour; Antarc*; Antarctic Science; Antarctica; Yearbook of Polar Law
• Online Access: https://brill.com/view/journals/yplo/yplo-overview.xml; https://doi.org/10.1163/22116427_010010021; http://ecite.utas.edu.au/130867

The Antarctic offers unique opportunities to scientists in many disciplines for improvingunderstanding of regional and global conditions. The governing Antarctic Treatyhas 53 State Parties, many of which do not have geographical proximity to the continent.However, the importance of various disciplines of science and many other factors,urge them to participate in the Antarctic scientific activities. Therefore, it is notsurprising that Iran is considering participation in Antarctic scientific research, and ithas now set processes in motion to join these states in their endeavour to undertakeresearch in Antarctica and contribute to its governance. Iran will develop a strategicplan prior to the commencement of its Antarctic activities, outlining its vision andobjectives of an Antarctic program, as well as the financial and logistical implications,and is currently undertaking preparatory work that will culminate in the drafting of anAntarctic strategic plan. In doing so, the authors examined a number of factors includingones that could be identified in Antarctic law and policy as influencing the statusand development of the existing Antarctic regime, the recent Antarctic Treaty Statesaccession processes and strategies, the express or implied motivations for States tojoin the Antarctic Treaty, and generally the Antarctic Treaty System, all of which canbe reached based on the aforementioned examination that can be incorporated in anIranian Antarctic science roadmap.