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Essay / The Antarctic Treaty - 1563
The Antarctic TreatyWhen and why was the treaty formed?The Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington on December 1, 1959 by the twelve countries who had been active in Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year (IGY): Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States and USSR. Through this agreement, the countries active in Antarctica consult each other on the uses of an entire continent, with the commitment that it should not become the theater or the object of international discord. The treaty was concluded for several reasons, but one of the main concerns at the time was that the rivalry between nations claiming territory in the Antarctic Peninsula region was, by the late 1940s, showing signs of evolution towards open conflict. , some countries feared that the region would become a pawn in the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States of America, both of which had significant interests in Antarctica. There are now 45 parties involved in the Treaty. These nations meet annually to discuss a wide variety of issues, covering topics such as scientific cooperation, environmental protection measures, tourism management and the preservation of historic sites. What is the Antarctic Treaty about? The Treaty, which concerns the area south of 60° South latitude, although short, is remarkably effective. Through this agreement, the countries active in Antarctica consult each other on the uses of an entire continent, with the commitment that it does not become the scene or the object of international discord. In its fourteen articles, the Treaty:...... middle of paper ......ar and the Falkland Islands conflict, all members of the Antarctic scientific community continued an exchange of information uninterrupted, uninterrupted and peaceful despite the conflict. Under the Antarctic Treaty, activities on the continent have always remained diplomatic and non-violent, and as such, Antarctica can honestly be declared a "continent of peace." As the Antarctic Treaty system matures, it has become recognized as one of the most effective sets of measures. international agreements, establishing an example of diplomatic and peaceful collaboration for the rest of the world. As an environmental regime, it is unique and distinctive - an entire continent, fundamentally intact, will continue to be protected through the cooperation and commitment of the parties involved in the Treaty..