US government urges limits on Antarctic tourism

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The Obama administration is urging mandatory limits on the size of ships operating Antarctic cruises and also on the number of passengers that can be brought on shore, in a move aimed at protecting the fragile environment of the region.

At a Baltimore conference to begin on Monday, diplomats from the US will propose an amendment to the Antarctic Treaty - now 50 years old. In the amendment, current voluntary tourism restrictions would become mandates under international law.

The State Department provided a document to The Associated Press by the State Department indicating that the plan would “minimize the likelihood of marine oil spills” in the region and also “ensure that tourism is conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.”

In Washington, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is scheduled to deliver opening remarks at the first joint meeting of signatories to the Antarctic Treaty and the Arctic Council, which covers the northern polar region. It is expected that over 400 officials and observers will attend the meeting.

The meeting in Baltimore marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the pact, which is considered by many to be the first international arms control treaty of modern times. Antarctica is prohibited from being used for military purposes, and the treaty freezes any sovereignty claims on Antarctic territory.

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