Today Australia celebrates the 30th anniversary of the ‘Madrid Protocol’ – the international agreement that safeguards the Antarctic environment.

The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was adopted in Madrid on 4 October 1991.

Australia joined with France, Spain and then other Antarctic Treaty Parties, to champion this significant international agreement to prohibit mining and protect Antarctica.

The Protocol designates Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science, ensuring environmental protection is a key focus of all activities in the region.

Learn more about the history and provisions of the Protocol.

on