1. Antarctic Treaty:
- The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 and effective since 1961, is the primary international agreement that governs activities in Antarctica.
- The treaty does not explicitly mention tourism, but it emphasizes the importance of scientific research and cooperation among nations.
- Article IX of the treaty states that any tourist activities must comply with the provisions of the treaty and be carried out in a way that does not harm the Antarctic environment.
2. Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty:
- This protocol, adopted in 1991 and effective since 1998, provides further guidelines for protecting the Antarctic environment.
- It requires parties to the treaty to take measures to minimize the environmental impact of human activities, including tourism.
- Annex II to the protocol contains specific guidelines for tourism, such as the need for prior assessments of potential environmental impacts and the development of management plans for tourist activities.
3. Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP):
- The CEP is a body established under the Antarctic Treaty to provide advice and recommendations on environmental matters.
- It has developed specific guidelines and recommendations for tourism, including the requirement for tourist operators to obtain permits from their national authorities before conducting activities in Antarctica.
- These permits are subject to environmental impact assessments and compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines.
It is important to note that while these international agreements provide a framework for managing tourism in Antarctica, each country that sends tourists to the region has its own regulations and requirements for tour operators.
In summary, no single entity "allows" tourists to stay in Antarctica, but rather a combination of international treaties, protocols, and national regulations govern tourist activities in the region to ensure environmental protection and the preservation of Antarctica's unique ecosystem.
