Environmental review: A gateway to international cooperation
- National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA (United States)
The United States and 25 other nations are voting members within a unique international agreement for the governance of Antarctica, a continent larger than the combined area of the United States and Mexico. Antarctica is not a global commons. Rather, nations have agreed to set aside territorial claims for the continent`s natural resources while each pursues legitimate scientific study and carefully controlled commercial tourist-related activities. Through a set of agreements under the Antarctic Treaty System, each nation agrees to a systematic avoidance of environmental damage, exploitation, or militarization of Antarctica. Effective environmental review of planned actions is critical in winning continued international cooperation, efficient management of national antarctic research and education programs, and environmentally sound tourist visits to Antarctica. Over the last five years, NSF has prepared over 200 environmental assessments of planned activities in Antarctica. Thus far, the environmental reviews have proven very useful in the identification of alternative actions and mitigating measures to reduce impacts. In addition to protecting the unique and pristine qualities of Antarctica`s natural resources, environmental reviews are a key component in planning support activities such as field camp installation and removal, construction and decommissioning of facilities at year-round stations, and international cooperative research.
- OSTI ID:
- 500784
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9705100--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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