A treaty banning all mining and mineral exploitation in the Antarctic has come into force.

The Antarctic Environmental Protocol outlaws mining for 50 years, establishes strict limitations on pollution and waste disposal, and stipulates measures to protect flora and fauna.

Antarctica devoted to peace and science

Securing international agreement to the treaty has taken longer than expected.

Signed in Madrid six years ago, the protocol has become effective only now, 30 days after ratification by Japan - the last of the 26 nations involved in the conference to do so.

It is an extension of the 1959 Antarctic Treaty which has kept the ice expanse free of conflict.

But human pressures on the continent's unique environment have been growing rapidly from increased numbers of scientific research stations and tourist ships.

The new treaty is intended to save an area twice the size of Australia for the advancement of science and the welfare of its wildlife.

It is the largest area on earth to receive protection from industrial development.

What will it do?

Environmentally-friendly vists to go on

The Protocol builds on the Antarctic Treaty, intending to extend its effectiveness as a mechanism for protecting the Antarctic environment.

It designates Antarctica as a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science.

Rules and principles have been established relating to human activity on the continent, including obligations to prioritise scientific research.

The Protocol prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources in Antarctica, except for scientific research.

It commits parties to assess the environmental impact of proposed activities, both governmental and private.

Parties also undertake to protect flora and fauna and strictly limit the disposal of wastes on land and the discharge of pollutants into Antarctic waters.

Signatories have also committed to provide a prompt and effective response to environmental emergencies finally, The protocol incorporates compliance provisions, including compulsory and binding dispute settlement procedures.

Laregest protected area

The environmental lobby group Greenpeace has described the treaty as a milestone for global protection and a hopeful day for the planet.

While the it prohibits any activity relating to mineral resources in Antarctica other than research, the protocol is intended to be flexible as well. Antarctica's unpolluted vastness attracts thousands of ship-borne tourists every year.

The Environmental Protocol is intended to provide effective safeguards against damaging, unregulated tours, but it will not prohibit more environmentally-friendly visits by tourists.

While the protocol preserves the ban on mining and mineral exploitation and other restrictions for fifty years, it is generally considered unlikely the agreement will be overturned even at the end of that period.

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