Antarctica is not only a very sensitive ecosystem, it is also a hostile environment for humans. Compliance with the visitor guidelines ensures protection of the flora and fauna as well as the visitors to Antarctica themselves.
Antarctica has been terra incognita for most of Earth’s history. The actual discovery of the continent started about 200 years ago. During two centuries mankind succeeded in exploring and gaining access to its remote regions. An impressive international treaty on its use for peaceful purposes and protection has developed since the mid-20th century.
Antarctica is a nature reserve dedicated to peace and scientific research. 29 signatory states to the Antarctic Treaty, including Germany, work in close and continuous cooperation in science in the perpetual ice. Their research covers a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from climate research to marine biology.
The UBA assesses whether a planned project or journey to Antarctica poses a threat to animal species or their populations. However, the current state of knowledge about whales in Antarctica is limited. UBA is therefore providing funding for projects to close these knowledge gaps.
The oceans surrounding Antarctica are among the few regions in the world where there is little underwater noise caused by human activities. An UBA study shows that the scientific use of airguns can emit noise in to this sanctuary at distances of 2000 kilometres which may reduce the naturally available communication range of blue and fin whales to as little as 1%.
What do a colony of emperor penguins, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, and polar researcher Ernest Shackleton's hut have in common? They and many other areas enjoy special protection and management status in Antarctica as Protected Area, Managed Area or Historic Site.
Which Party is operating which station and what is its exact location? Who is dispatching research vessels in which region? Which cruise ship is following which route? How are the Parties managing waste, how are they avoiding marine pollution, and how is their compliance with the Protocol on Environmental Protection? The Contracting Parties must report this and other information once a year.
Even though there is no Antarctic government, Antarctica does have its own administrative organisation. The Antarctic Treaty laid down that the Consultative Parties must convene at regular intervals for the purpose of information exchange and to consult on regulations concerning Antarctica.
