§ Colin BurgonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to promote conservation of the flora, fauna and mineral resources of Antarctica. [179582]
Mr. Mike O'BrionThe protection of the Antarctic environment is provided through the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, adopted in 1991. This includes a prohibition on all activity relating to mineral resources, other than scientific research, and establishes a permitting regime for any activities that may involve taking or harmful interference with the native fauna and flora of Antarctica. 31 states, including the United Kingdom, are parties to the Protocol.
The United Kingdom implements the provisions of this Protocol through the Antarctic Act 1994 and the related Antarctic Regulations 1995, as amended.