US Team Inspects Antarctic Stations, Finds Compliance with Treaty Provisions

A team of US inspectors has completed a comprehensive review of several Antarctic research stations, finding no violations of the Antarctic Treaty’s provisions and praising the well-managed facilities.

Inspection Process

The inspection team visited six research stations operated by China, Italy, Korea, New Zealand, and the United States in the Ross Sea area, which is claimed by New Zealand. The visit was conducted in accordance with the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, a complementary agreement that entered into force in 1998.

Compliance with Treaty Provisions

The inspectors “strongly encouraged” China to submit a final comprehensive environmental evaluation for its station, which it subsequently completed in October 2021. None of the countries whose stations were inspected made or can make territorial claims so long as the treaty is in force, making Article IV sovereignty considerations less of a priority.

Station Inspections

The team was warmly welcomed at all visited sites and focused on reviewing compliance with Article I and other treaty provisions. The report concluded that each of the stations was well-managed and impressive in terms of their general facilities and professional character.

Areas of Focus

• Articles I and V and other provisions, including the presence of military personnel at Italy’s Mario Zucchelli station and Korea’s Jang Bogo station.
• ASPA 161, a protected area that reinforced the point that giving an area protected status does not exempt it from the broader monitoring regime.

Recommendations for Ensuring Compliance

In light of increased geopolitical rivalry and concerns about compliance with treaty provisions, the US should:

• Increase Frequency of Inspections: Conduct in-person, unannounced inspections more frequently to ensure situational awareness of activities in Antarctica.
• Collaborate on Inspections: Work with like-minded countries on inspections to mitigate practical challenges and promote cooperation.
• Promote Joint Inspections: Encourage joint inspections with other countries to achieve specific goals and reinforce collaboration.
• Enhance Transparency: Review submissions and set a positive example by encouraging countries to maintain or increase the information they share.
• Prioritize Dual-Use Equipment: Increase attention paid to dual-use equipment, such as telescopes and satellite infrastructure, and prioritize in-person inspections to verify information submitted.

By implementing these recommendations, the US can help ensure that the Antarctic Treaty remains a powerful tool for promoting cooperation and environmental protection in Antarctica.