Consultative Status 0under the Antarctic Treaty

Abstract

POLAND'S admission to the inner circle of Antarctic powers in July 1977 was a milestone in the development of the Antarctic Treaty regime. Decisions under the Treaty are made at consultative meetings 1 held at approximately two-year intervals. The 12 original parties attend these meetings as of right. A State which has subsequently acceded 2 may only achieve consultative status during such time as it demonstrates its interest in Antarctica by conducting substantial scientific research activity there, such as the establishment of a scientific station or the despatch of a scientific expedition.3 SCAR 4 functions as the unofficial scientific arm of the Treaty regime. Membership is open to countries actively engaged in Antarctic scientific research.5 Applications must be submitted through the national organisation adhering to the International Council of Scientific Unions 6 if the country is a member of ICSU. A decision regarding any application may only be made by delegates convened at a SCAR meeting following a review of the application and a recommendation by the SCAR Executive. Delegates meet every two years,7 the last gathering being held at Chamonix, France, in June 1978.8 In recent years the Antarctic Treaty regime has encountered increasing criticism. Seven States had acceded to it by 1977, but none had been granted consultative status, lending support to remarks that the consultative parties constitute an exclusive club.9 Minerals, especially offshore oil and gas,10 and krill 11 raise resource problems which are