Abstract:
This Act gives legal effect in South Africa to several international treaties concerning the governance and environmental protection of Antarctica. It sets out how these treaties apply to South African citizens, residents, companies, and expeditions. The Act includes provisions for inspections, enforcement, and penalties for violations, and extends its application to the Prince Edward Islands. It supports the peaceful use and conservation of Antarctica in accordance with global environmental and legal standards. The Act incorporates the following treaties into South African law: The Antarctic Treaty (1959); The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol, 1991); The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (CCAS, 1972); The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR, 1980).
