ASOC
How we work
Since 1978, ASOC has been working to protect Antarctica and the Southern Ocean through independent, science-based environmental advocacy.
What we do
How we WORK
ASOC works year-round to secure the strongest possible protection for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Our work spans environmental advocacy, science communication, representation at international meetings, and monitoring emerging threats to the Antarctic environment.
Our unique position within the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) is central to this work. As the only environmental NGO invited to participate in annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCMs) and other ATS meetings, ASOC represents the global conservation community at the highest levels of Antarctic governance. With the support of our members and campaigners, we submit information papers, provide scientific and policy expertise, contribute to negotiations, and advocate for precautionary, science-based policies that place environmental protection at their core.
Connecting systems, strengthening protection
How we WORK
Protecting Antarctica requires action across multiple governance systems and institutions with different mandates, responsibilities and areas of expertise. As an environmental NGO, ASOC brings an independent conservation perspective to these discussions, sharing scientific evidence, policy analysis, and legal expertise to support effective implementation of existing commitments, and the continued strengthening of environmental protection.
ASOC works across the Antarctic Treaty System, the International Maritime Organization, and industry forums, connecting science, policy and practice. Through this cross-cutting approach, ASOC helps identify connections between issues, strengthen collaboration, and advocate for measures that support the long-term protection of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
Current campaigns
How We WORK
Our international team works across Antarctic governance systems to advance science-based policies that protect Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Through research, advocacy, and international engagement, we work to address both existing and emerging environmental threats. Explore our current campaigns below.
HOW WE WORK
Our commitment
Together with our team of Coalition members, partners, advisors, campaigners and supporters, we inform and motivate decision makers to adopt the strongest possible protections for the Antarctic environment.
How we work
Our approach
ASOC works with scientists and other researchers, campaigners, governments and civil society to advance policies that protect the Antarctic.
Protect
We advocate for large, science-backed protected areas on land and sea, to allow vulnerable ecosystems to adjust to a warming climate and increasing human activity.
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Protect
We advocate for large, science-backed protected areas on land and sea, to allow vulnerable ecosystems to adjust to a warming climate and increasing human activity.
Represent
We represent the global environmental community at Antarctic governance meetings, where the world’s leaders come together to decide the fate of Antarctica.
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Represent
We represent the global environmental community at Antarctic governance meetings, where the world’s leaders come together to decide the fate of Antarctica.
Each year, representatives from over 50 nations meet at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) to discuss the governance and management of human activities in Antarctica. Since 1991, ASOC has attended these meetings as an invited expert and observer, and the only representative of the Antarctic NGO and conservation community.
ASOC presents science-based information papers to the meeting, including policy proposals, novel solutions to known challenges, and the results of recent research. We also provide comments on submissions made by Treaty parties and other organisations, advocating strongly for a precautionary approach, the adoption of ambitious area-based protection, and strong action on climate change.
Educate
We educate the public about issues facing Antarctica, building a groundswell of awareness and support for Antarctic protection.
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Educate
We educate the public about issues facing Antarctica through campaigns, events and online content, building a groundswell of awareness and support for Antarctic protection.
Monitor
ASOC monitors all issues that impact the Antarctic region including climate change, tourism, fisheries management, biological prospecting and pirate fishing.
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Monitor
ASOC monitors all issues that impact the Antarctic region including climate change, tourism, fisheries management, biological prospecting and pirate fishing.
Inform
We present science-based policy proposals at Antarctic governance meetings, providing Treaty Parties with information on how to protect the Antarctic environment.
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We present science-based policy proposals at Antarctic governance meetings, providing Treaty Parties with information on how to protect the Antarctic environment.
Photo credit: Bob Zuur
Advocate
We advocate at the highest level of Antarctic governance for science-based decisions and strong protection for the Antarctic environment and ecosystems.
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Advocate
We advocate at the highest level of Antarctic governance for science-based decisions and strong protection for the Antarctic environment and ecosystems.
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