Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
The Scientific (previously Special) Committee on Antarctic Research is a body attached to
the International Council for Science. Since February 1958, the UK-based body played a
key role in coordinating Antarctic scientific activities, especially in the midst of the Inter-
national Geophysical Year (1957-8). Ever since its genesis, SCAR has held meetings and
has published scientific reports to ensure that scientific knowledge is freely exchanged and
monitored by interested parties.
Standing Scientific Groups are a key element of SCAR, and these include the geosciences,
life sciences, and physical sciences. One of the newest groups is dedicated to the history of
Antarctic science, and thus introduces greater social science and humanities input into the
work of SCAR itself.
SCAR provides scientific input and advice to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties.
For further information on SCAR - http://www.scar.org/about/
Even without a permanent secretariat, however, the ATS began to acquire greater institu-
tional strength. The 1972 Seals Convention, for example, provided for the creation of a
Commission and Scientific Advisory Committee to help it determine the management of
commercial sealing. Likewise, the entry into force of CCAMLR witnessed the creation of
a Commission, a Scientific Committee, and a Secretariat based in Hobart. CRAMRA, the
mineral regulation regime that never entered into force, envisaged yet further developments
including an arbitral tribunal designed to regulate and adjudicate between any parties in dis-
pute. The Protocol on Environmental Protection established a Committee on Environment-
al Protection, which provides advice on the implementation of the Protocol. Since 1985,
the ATCM receives reports from the various commissions and other interested parties in-
cluding SCAR and the Council of National Antarctic Programmes.
In July 2001, it was decided to establish a Secretariat located in Buenos Aires to assist fur-
ther in the institutional organization of the ATS. This decision was a long time in coming,
given South Africa unsuccessfully proposed such a measure in 1961. The shift in opinion
was largely due to an expanded membership (see below) and recognition of the complex-
ity and scope of Antarctic-related activities, especially in the areas of conservation and en-
vironmental protection. The sheer volume of business increased accordingly. Formally re-
cognized as desirable in 1985, the 15-year-long period of indecision was shaped by estab-
lished concerns over the internationalization of the Antarctic, financial costs, functionality,
and legal personality, and the location of any secretariat. The UK, for example, was very
reluctant to embrace Argentina as a possible location because of concerns that this might
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