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Worksheet 4: Who Rules Antarctica? Visiting Antarctica these days is not just about having a taste for adventure; it is about supporting international co-operation for peace and science. Who governs your country? Is it a King or Queen? President? Emperor? Prime Minister? Who else helps to govern your country? (Politicians, Parliament, Congress, etc). In the early 20th century, seven different countries made territorial claims of Antarctica, sometimes for the same piece of land. This means they wanted to own a part of Antarctica. Find out the names of these countries? Who owns Antarctica today? During 1957-58, scientists from 12 countries worked together in Antarctica and successfully carried out a lot of important scientific research. This research changed our understanding of Antarctica and how important it is to all of us. These 12 countries therefore agreed that Antarctica should be properly protected for future scientific research and as a result, in 1959 the Antarctic Treaty was signed, which agreed that "…Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes". Antarctica is a unique country because it does not have a leader. However, under the Antarctic Treaty, it is governed and protected by the 45 countries that have signed the Treaty. The main points of the Treaty are: Antarctica is to be used for peaceful purposes only. No military activities can take place in Antarctica. There is freedom of scientific investigation. Scientists are free to carry out whatever scientific programmes they would like and they can easily share their information with each other. Territorial claims of Antarctica are set aside for the duration of the Treaty. Nuclear explosions and the dumping of radioactive waste in Antarctica are banned. All stations and equipment are open to inspection by any of the Antarctic Treaty members. Do you think the Treaty is a unique international agreement? Be prepared to explain your reasons. Do you think the Antarctic Treaty shows how well nations can work together? What issue doesn’t the Antarctic Treaty address? The Antarctic Treaty is not the only agreement in place to protect Antarctica. Mining in Antarctica is currently banned under an agreement called the Madrid Protocol and there are also agreements to protect whales and some of the species of seals in Antarctica. However, imagine you are the leader of a country that has signed the Antarctic Treaty. What would you do if scientists found a rare and valuable mineral on the exposed rock of Antarctica? Would you allow developers to collect it? (As strict control can be imposed to reduce any environmental change) Or should Antarctica remain unspoiled? Make a list of rules, which would help Antarctica to remain unspoiled. How does your list compare with the treaties that have been made? Do you think Antarctica will need more or less protection in the future? Design a poster putting forward your viewpoint about the future of Antarctica. Be sure that the slogans and images can be easily identified with Antarctica. Design a flag that could be used by every country involved in Antarctic research. Be sure that the design reflects their international cooperation for the preservation and protection of Antarctica.
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