Abstract:
This document is a guideline that supports Article 3 of Annex V of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. It gives practical advice on how to choose, plan, and manage Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) and Antarctic Specially Managed Areas (ASMAs). It is meant to help countries, planners, and managers who are involved in making and reviewing proposals to protect areas in Antarctica. The guideline is not legally required, so no one is forced to follow it. However, it has been officially accepted under the Antarctic Treaty System and helps ensure that protection efforts are consistent and effective. Note: ''Annex V of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty: Area Protection and Management'', which this guideline supports, is attached below for reference.