Topics | Umweltbundesamt

Antarctica has been terra incognita for most of Earth’s history. The actual discovery of the continent started about 200 years ago. During two centuries mankind succeeded in exploring and gaining access to its remote regions. An impressive international treaty on its use for peaceful purposes and protection has developed since the mid-20th century. read more

Roald Amundsen said, “We must not cease to remember with gratitude and admiration the first seafarers who navigated their ships through storms and fog to augment our knowledge of the land of ice in the south”. Since discovery of the Antarctic our knowledge of it has grown steadily, and so has our responsibility for this fragile ecosystem. read more

The protection of the Antarctic is founded on the Antarctic Treaty, which manifests the intention to use the Antarctic only for peaceful purposes for all time. It also lays the groundwork for important follow-up agreements. read more

Despite its remote location, it can become almost busy in the Antarctic in some places and at certain times: research, tourism and logistics support for activities all leave their footprint. It is not always necessary to be present in person to preserve the uniqueness of the Antarctic. A lot of work of administrative nature in particular is done outside the Treaty territory. read more

From time to time one hears the question to whom the Antarctic actually belongs to. The answer is simple: since there is no indigenous population in the Antarctic, it is a world heritage and belongs to everyone and to nobody in particular! The Antarctic Treaty System regulates both of these aspects. read more