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.
Despite its remote location, it can become almost busy in the Antarctic in some places and at certain times: research, tourism and logistics support for activities all leave their footprint. It is not always necessary to be present in person to preserve the uniqueness of the Antarctic. A lot of work of administrative nature in particular is done outside the Treaty territory.
From time to time one hears the question to whom the Antarctic actually belongs to. The answer is simple: since there is no indigenous population in the Antarctic, it is a world heritage and belongs to everyone and to nobody in particular! The Antarctic Treaty System regulates both of these aspects.
It is difficult at first glance to see the connection between a German environment agency and the Antarctic - after all, Germany has no territorial claims in the eternal ice. However, Germany is a Party to the Antarctic Treaty and thus assumes responsibility for the Antarctic. The German Environment Agency (UBA) helps to meet these responsibilities.
Roald Amundsen said, “We must not cease to remember with gratitude and admiration the first seafarers who navigated their ships through storms and fog to augment our knowledge of the land of ice in the south”. Since discovery of the Antarctic our knowledge of it has grown steadily, and so has our responsibility for this fragile ecosystem.
