Antarctic Treaty Secretariat Homepage 

The main purpose of the Antarctic Treaty, which was signed in Washington on December 1, 1959, is to ensure "in the interest of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue for ever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord."

Antarctica has been designated as “a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science”. Activities are subject to regulations concerning environmental impact assessments, protection of fauna and flora, waste management and others. All activities relating to Antarctic mineral resources, except for scientific research, are forbidden. > more

Article VII of the Treaty requires each Party to freely exchange information about its activities, This requirement was later elaborated in various measures of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and in the Environment Protocol.

Every year the Treaty Parties meet "for the purpose of exchanging information, consulting together on matters of common interest pertaining to Antarctica, and formulating and considering and recommending to their Governments measures in furtherance of the principles and objectives of the Treaty" (Art. IX). > more

An electronic guide to the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty systems and information sources. 

The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty celebrates its first 25 years with a special publication.