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The Framework
The Antarctic Treaty: A Model of Enduring Peace
Signed in 1959 by twelve nations and now ratified by 56, the Antarctic Treaty stands as one of the most successful peace agreements in modern history. It designates Antarctica as a continent dedicated to peace and science — free from military activity and territorial claims.
The Antarctic Treaty System — which includes the Protocol on Environmental Protection (Madrid, 1991) and the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) — demonstrates that science, environmental stewardship, and peaceful international cooperation can endure together. Agenda Antártica works to strengthen and defend this model.
Signatory Nations
Countries that have committed to peaceful cooperation under the Antarctic Treaty System
Year of Signing
Over six decades of peaceful international governance without armed conflict
Nations We Engage
Working alongside ASOC and partner nations to advance MPAs and governance reform
Focus Areas
Key Policy Priorities
Antarctic Treaty Governance
We engage with the Antarctic Treaty System and the Protocol on Environmental Protection (Madrid, 1991), advocating for stronger governance mechanisms, improved compliance, and the preservation of Antarctica's demilitarized and peaceful status against emerging geopolitical pressures.
Antarctica as a Model of Global Peace
The Antarctic Treaty System proves that science, environmental stewardship, and peaceful international cooperation can form the basis of lasting governance. We promote this model through research, publications, and dialogue with policymakers, diplomats, and global institutions.
International Cooperation & Latin America
We work alongside ASOC, CCAMLR, and over 25 nations to advance marine protected areas and reinforce Latin America's strategic voice in global Antarctic governance. Seven Latin American countries are Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties, representing a significant and underutilized bloc for conservation.
Featured Publication
Antarctica as a Model for Global Peace
A collaborative publication arguing that the Antarctic Treaty System — where science, environmental stewardship, and peaceful international cooperation have functioned as mutually reinforcing pillars for over six decades — offers a concrete and transferable model for global governance.
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Antarctica represents one of humanity's most hopeful choices: demonstrating that peace, cooperation, and conservation are possible even in a tense and divided world. This book reminds us that Antarctica is not only something to protect, but something to learn from—and to share. In doing so, Antarctica inspires us and challenges us to believe that a more peaceful and cooperative global future remains within reach.
José María Figueres
Former President of Costa Rica (1994–1998)