As of: May 2011

Environmental Protection in Antarctica / Antarctic Treaty

Brochure:
Germany’s Commitment to the White Continent
Antarctic Treaty - 30 Years of Consultative Status

Antarctica is a continent of extremes with climate and weather conditions that are unique worldwide, a largely untouched natural ecosystem and pristine terrestrial, hydrological, glacial and marine biocenoses. The polar regions are a key factor in global climate developments and consequently for life on our planet. What is Germany's contribution to preserving Antarctica as mankind's common heritage? In what way is the Antarctic Treaty and in particular its Environmental Protocol a framework for Germany's activities in Antarctica? Who is actively involved in Antarctic research? Who decides on priority programmes and who funds them? What are the challenges imposed on Antarctica by the world at large?

A recently published brochure gives an overview of 30 years of successful engagement in Antarctica as part of an international cooperation network. It presents the German Antarctic research infrastructure including the research vessel "Polarstern" and the highly sophisticated research station of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research. In the future Germany will continue to make a contribution to tackling the new global challenges facing Antarctica.

The 51 page brochure which was published in May 2011 in A4 format is available in German, English and Spanish. It can be ordered free of charge from the Environment Ministry under the order numbers 2021 (German), 6010 (English) and 6011 (Spanish).