Protecting the Antarctic environment

From the time humans landed in Antarctica, its flora and fauna have been studied and exploited for food and resources.

Our increased understanding of the vulnerability of native flora and fauna has resulted in the introduction of measures to protect the natural environment from human impact. Australia has played a significant role in the process of negotiating these international agreements.

Curriculum areas

Year 10 History
Year 5 Geography

Questions

Before the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, how would you assess the level of awareness that the Antarctic environment needed to be protected?
Since the 1959 treaty, what are the most significant changes introduced to ensure greater protection of the Antarctic environment?
What are the main arguments for and against realising the full economic potential of the Antarctic?

Records

Record

Scientist measuring the ozone on Macquarie Island

This is a black-and-white photograph taken at Macquarie Island in Antarctica in 1978.

Record

The Antarctic Treaty

The Antarctic Treaty was signed by 12 nations on 1 December 1959. It has been hailed as the first disarmament treaty of the nuclear age.

Record

Expeditioners collect Adelie penguins, Antarctica

Black-and-white photograph of Dr Xavier Mertz, John Hunter and Lieutenant Belgrave Ninnis collecting Adélie Penguins.

Record

International scientific cooperation in Antarctica – Australia's view

This is a secret cablegram from the Department of External Affairs to the Australian Embassy in Washington.

Record

Cablegram from Australian Embassy Washington.

List of subjects for the Antarctic Treaty Conference

This is a cablegram from the Australian Embassy in Washington regarding a meeting in 1959 prior to the Conference on Antarctica.

Record

A report and hand drawn sketch of the emperor penguin rookery at Mt Taylor.

Emperor Penguin rookery at Mt Taylor, Antarctica – field trip report from Western Coastal Journey

A report on the emperor penguin rookery at Mt Taylor. It observes that 'abandoned eggs' may be due to 'sudden fright from a fall of ice from the glacier'.

Record

Notes on Biology, Mawson and Davis stations.

Notes on biology near Mawson and Davis Stations, Antarctica

This is page one of a 15-page report detailing wildlife observations from the Mawson and Davis stations in Antarctica, 1961.