The main purpose of the Antarctic Treaty System is to ensure 'in the interests of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord'.
The Antarctic Treaty was created to establish Antarctica as a region of peace and international cooperation, and is at the centre of a number of related agreements, which together are known as the Antarctic Treaty System.
The aim of the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is to conserve marine life of the Southern Ocean.
Due to its location, New Zealand has a direct interest in peace and stability in the Antarctic region including the seas that surround it.
Publications about DOC's role
The Antarctic Treaty British Antarctic Survey website
Antarctica New Zealand is responsible for developing, managing and administering New Zealand activities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, in particular the Ross Sea Dependency.
Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
Protocol on Environmental Protection
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