ASOC
Why ASOC
Antarctica is the natural heritage of all humankind, and this incredible wilderness belongs to us all.
It’s up to us to protect it.
A continent for all of humanity
WHY ASOC?
Antarctica is the only continent in the world with no indigenous human population.
Antarctica isn’t a country or a nation, and it doesn’t have a government or a legal system.
This special place belongs to all of humanity, and with no Antarctic citizens or civil society, it’s up to all of us to speak up on its behalf.
A continent, not a country
Why ASOC?
Antarctica is governed by almost 60 nations under a unique collection of international legal agreements known together as the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS).
Each year, representatives of these nations meet to discuss the future of the Antarctic (the ocean, ice, and land south of 60 degrees south latitude), with decisions made by consensus among the 29 Consultative Parties.
In 1991, Parties to the Antarctic Treaty signed the Environmental Protocol, designating the continent as a “natural reserve, devoted to peace and science,” and committing to the “comprehensive protection” of the Antarctic environment and its ecosystems (Art. 2).
One voice for Antarctica
Why ASOC?
The adoption of the Environmental Protocol was a landmark decision that enshrined environmental protection at the heart of Antarctic governance. However, economic and geopolitical factors can derail even the best of intentions, and over the years these principles have been applied unevenly.
While Antarctic Treaty Parties come to the table with the interests, priorities and values of their nations in mind, ASOC speaks for the Antarctic itself.
“Antarctica is the world’s last great wilderness. We have a unique opportunity to prevent some of the widespread environmental problems that have occurred elsewhere and chart a new course for our relationship with nature – one where we safeguard ourselves by safeguarding the natural systems that make life on earth possible.”
Claire Christian, Executive Director
The climate crisis is changing Antarctica.
Antarctica and the Southern Ocean play a vital role in regulating the global climate and slowing down global heating. These powerful but delicately-balanced systems are changing due to the climate crisis.
ASOC provides a strong, consistent, unified voice to advocate for action to preserve the Antarctic in this time of rapid change.
WHY ASOC?
Our mission:
To continue to protect the Antarctic and Southern Ocean’s unique and vulnerable ecosystems by providing the unified voice for Antarctic conservation.
Video: courtesy of Richard Sidey