17/06/2005 - Australian
Minister for the Environment and Heritage,
Senator Ian Campbell, today announced a new
Antarctic Treaty agreement to provide a more
effective response to environmental emergencies
on the frozen continent.
Senator Campbell said the new set of ruleswould
require anyone who caused an environmental
accident in Antarctica to take action to clean
up the pollution and prevent further environmental
damage.
Compensation could be claimed from the polluter
if someone else has to take clean up action.
This fills a big gap, as there is now a strong
incentive to make sure there is a proper response
to such emergencies.
"This agreement marks the end of 12
years of extensive discussions and intense
negotiations and Australia has played an active
role from the beginning. I am pleased our
persistence has paid off," he said.
"We have a big stake in Antarctica and
take our caretaker role seriously. The continent's
unique qualities – its icy expanses, extreme
climate and abundant marine wildlife including
seals, penguins and whales – are attracting
increasing numbers of visitors and this requires
us to be increasingly vigilant in our protection
of the environment.
"If there is an environmental emergency
in the Antarctic we are going to make sure
that there is a proper response and those
responsible are held accountable."
The set of rules on responding to environmental
emergencies in Antarctica was adopted at the
annual Antarctic Treaty consultative meeting,
currently in session in Stockholm, Sweden.
The two-week meeting, which ends today, has
shared information and set rules for activities
in Antarctica to address a broad range of
environmental protection matters, including
scientific expeditions and tourism.
"My delegation has worked around the
clock to ensure that we achieved this agreement
- Australia's top priority for the meeting,"
Senator Campbell said.
"However, we remain committed to the
development of an even more comprehensive
regime on responding to environmental damage
in the Antarctic.
"We have made excellent progress, but
Antarctic Treaty parties need to continue
to develop measures to protect this unique
environment."
Other issues addressed at the meeting included
improved management of Antarctic tourism and
how to look after areas in need of special
protection.
Attending every consultative meeting since
the Antarctic Treaty was drawn up in 1959,
Australia now joins 45 countries as signatories
to the treaty.
