NGOs in Antarctica

Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition

• Over 30 NGOs joined to carry more influence on the world stage (Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, WWF)
• Only NGO working full-time to preserve Antarctica/Southern Ocean
• Initially formed in response to the Minerals Convention proposal
• Main goals
• Conclude negotiations of the worlds first ecosystem as a whole treaty on fishing
• Prevent mineral etc exploitation by blocking ratification of the Minerals Convention
• Open up the ATS to include participation of NGOs and specialist international bodies like the ICSU
• Big win came when a precautionary ecosystem approach was adopted into the Antarctic Treaty; the Minerals Convention was also blocked, and it had a role in the Madrid Protocol
• Has been granted observer status in the ATS and attends annual meetings.
• Also wants to negotiated a legally binding Polar Code; Marine Protected Area status for the Ross Sea; sustainable management of fisheries; regulating tourism; strengthening Whale Sanctuary; mitigating impacts of climate change; monitoring implementation of Madrid Protocol
• Employs experts worldwide to advise on issues and are experts in this environment; work closely with nations with a large presence
• Finds it remarkable that no attempt has been made by the IWC to estimate numbers of Whale species

Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research

• SCAR.
• Interdisciplinary committee of the ICSU.
• Initiates, develops, coordinates scientific research efforts occurring on Antarctica.
• Researches survival of species, maintenance of biodiversity levels, and ability of species to recover from shocks.
• Holistic approach to this - considers the role of the Antarctic region as part of the whole earth system.
• Operates in an advisory capacity to the ATCM and other organisations like the UNFCCC on the science and conservation affecting the governance of Antarctica.

Why we should protect Antarctica

• Last unspoiled wilderness on earth
• Belongs to no one and everyone
• Continent for science
• All flora and fauna in Antarctica are protected.

Protection of seals

• Listed in Appendix II of CITES.
• Protected by governments in whose waters it resides - Australia, South Africa. Also protected by the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals in waters south of 60S latitude.
• Some governments with a vested interest in Antarctica argue that these protections should be lifted as the species is causing damage to vulnerable Antarctic plants.

Fishing regulation

• Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources - 1982; part of the ATS
• Regulates exploitation rather than outright protection
• Became more effective as a management regime when in 1991, first catch limits were set
• Catch documentation scheme has helped prevent illegally caught fish entering markets of CCAMLR nations

Ecosystem resilience

• Ability of an ecosystem to recover from a severe disturbance by resisting damage and returning to an equilibrium position of functionality - ability to recover from shocks, disturbances and ongoing change.
• Endemic species are normally capable of surviving shock events as they can evolve strategies e.g. longevity among seabirds, ability for plants to survive long periods of time.
• Events such as intense localised storms or scouring of the benthic environment by icebergs are increasing in magnitude and frequency to the point where species may not be able to bounce back - challenges resilience and adaptation.
• IPCC has recognised that mitigation and adaptation are essential in the response to the challenges caused by climate change.
• Mitigation:
• Energy conservation
• Reducing carbon emissions
• Adaptation:
• Protecting the existing environment as much as possible
• Monitoring change