Antarctic polluters liable for environmental damage

An international treaty has recently been developed to protect the Antarctic environment and under this pact, anyone who causes an environmental accident in the region will be held liable, according to the government of New Zealand the country chaired negotiations surrounding the international treaty. “The treaty requires anyone who causes an environmental accident in Antarctica to take action to clean up the pollution and prevent further environmental damage,” New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Phil Goff says. “If a polluter does not take clean up action, then compensation can be claimed.” Adopted recently at a conference in Stockholm, the treaty sets out a regime for response action and compensation in the event of environmental accidents in Antarctica. “This agreement,” he says, “brings an end to 12 years of negotiation. It’s a vital step forward in protecting the pristine environment of the Antarctic.”Goff adds that prevention and clean-up measures are crucial in the event of an environmental accident and reiterates that imposing a legal obligation to pay compensation will create an incentive to make sure such measures are taken.The treaty was negotiated by the 45 member countries of the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, made up by the majority of countries conducting Antarctic activities. Negotiations began in 1993, and have been chaired by New Zealand since 1999.