2.4. The Antarctica Treaty

♤ The Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington on 1 December 1959 by the twelve countries whose scientists had been active in and around Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-58.

♤ It entered into force in 1961 and has since been acceded to by many other nations. The

total number of Parties to the Treaty is now 53.o Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only (Art. I)o Scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available (Art. III).