Antarctica Treaty System – UPSC Prelims

Antarctic Treaty and related agreements are collectively known as the Antarctic Treaty System.
It regulates international relations with respect to Antarctica.
Antarctica is defined as all of the land and ice shelves south of 60°S latitude.
Antarctic Treaty Secretariat Headquarters is in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
India officially acceded to the Antarctic Treaty System in August 1983.
Antarctic treaty:
- Entered into force in 1961
- Currently has 53 parties
- Sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve
Provisions:
- Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only.
- Freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and cooperation toward that end shall continue.
- Scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available.