What are the laws protecting antarctica?

* Signed in 1959 and entered into force in 1961

* Sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve and bans military activity

* Prohibits nuclear testing and the disposal of radioactive waste

* Establishes a consultative process for decision-making, in which all countries that have conducted substantial scientific research in Antarctica have a voice

* Creates the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat to provide administrative support for the treaty

The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

* Adopted in 1991 and entered into force in 1998

* Sets out a comprehensive framework for environmental protection in Antarctica

* Bans all activities that could have a significant adverse impact on the Antarctic environment

* Requires environmental impact assessments for all activities in Antarctica

* Establishes a system of protected areas

* Prohibits the introduction of non-native species

Other relevant international agreements

* The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)

* The Convention on the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral Resource Activities (CRAMRA)

* The International Whaling Commission (IWC)

* The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)