The following describes the international and US systems that are in place for conducting science in Antarctica. It also discusses some of the challenges that will be faced by Antarctic scientists in the twenty first century. In particular issues related to environmental concerns are highlighted with an emphasis on those international and national agreements and laws that set the stage for addressing the most pressing concerns. (Slide 1)
A number of "administrative" systems provide a framework for environmental protection that have been agreed and created by the Treaty countries. (Slide 2)
Antarctica holds a special place for many people world-wide for a variety of reasons from scientific to political. (Slide 3)
By international agreement Antarctica is managed and preserved primarily for the conduct of science. (Slide 4)
The US is committed to the preservation, protection and conservation of Antarctica. (Slide 5)
The challenge is to continue a presence in Antarctica while minimizing detrimental effects due to this presence. (Slide 6)
The Antarctic Treaty System is based on the original treaty language and a series of agreed conventions. (Slide 7)
The Antarctic Treaty System has evolved over the last forty years and continues to be enhanced including more countries and additional principles of conduct. (Slide 8)
Antarctica faces a range of environmental challenges at both global and local scales. (Slide 9)
Antarctica is the only place on earth that is internationally managed through consensus and this cooperation has achieved a range of agreed principles under which all signatory countries operate. (Slide 11)
The Treaty recognizes that territorial claims exist but this has not been a hindrance to cooperation. (Slide 12)
The Treaty consists of fourteen articles that describe the agreed principles. (Slide 13, 14, and 15)

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The Treaty consists of fourteen articles that describe the agreed principles

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The Treaty consists of fourteen articles that describe the agreed principles
Environmental Protection is a primary focus of the Treaty. (Slide 16)
An important recent development is the coming into force of the Protocol on Environmental Protection. (Slide 17)
There are also a number of important annexes to the Protocol on environmental issues. (Slide 18)
The US presence in Antarctica is managed by a number of governmental agencies that share various responsibilities. (Slide 21)
Looking into the future there are a number of challenges that face those that operate in Antarctica (Slide 26)

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