Antarctic countries celebrated the 25th anniversary of a milestone agreement which banned mining in Antarctica.
The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, known as the Madrid Protocol, was adopted in 1991. It declared the icy continent as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science and committed countries to the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment.
Australia played a key role in negotiating the Protocol.
A symposium to celebrate the anniversary was held by the Antarctic Treaty countries in Santiago, Chile on 30 May.
The symposium focused on the importance of the Protocol and its role in addressing future environmental challenges.
Antarctic countries have released a Declaration to mark the occasion which reaffirms their strong and unwavering commitment to the objectives and purposes of the Antarctic Treaty and the Madrid Protocol.
More information
- Read the text of the declaration on host country Chile's website. Translated versions of the text are expected to be available from the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat website.
- More: Madrid Protocol