The dimensions of a resource policy

The system of Antarctic cooperation has been evolving rapidly ever since the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959. The scientific interest of the early years, which was so nobly expressed in the results of the International Geophysical Year, was complemented by the need to preserve the peace and political stability of the continent – subjects which were treated on a priority basis by the Treaty. In turn, the unhindered development of scientific efforts within a unique atmosphere of peace and international cooperation naturally brought up new difficulties for consideration as our knowledge of the area increased.

The situation regarding Antarctic living resources and, later, the question of mineral resources pointed this system of international cooperation in new directions, both from the standpoint of the need to adapt the system to changing realities and perceptions, and as regards the existing relationships and ties between this system and the international community, in the broadest sense of the term. Thus two concurrent phenomena have come to characterise the contemporary phase of the system: the definition of regulatory regimes for the various types of resources, and the way in which they relate to the expectations of the international community.