Environmental Management

Deep Lake on a calm sunny day in spring Photo: M. Foster

Although one of the harshest environments on the planet, Antarctica is also one of the most vulnerable, one which Australia and other parties to the Antarctic Treaty are committed to protecting.

Human impacts in Antarctica – What do tourists, fishermen and scientists have in common? Discover their place in the history of human impact on a very fragile environment.

Environment Policy and Management – With the vision of ‘Antarctica valued, protected and understood’, we are firmly committed to an environmentally responsible approach to all activities.

Environmental Impact Assessment, Approvals and Permits – All activities in Antarctica have the potential to impact on the environment and you may need an Environmental Impact Assessment and a permit. Tourism Operators will need to read the information in environmental approvals for tour and expedition organisers.

Pollution and waste – Reducing our impact in Antarctica.

Plants and animals – Protecting Antarctica’s unique plants and animals is vitally important. Find out why and how we do it.

Protecting and managing special areas – Why are they protected and how do we manage these areas?

World Heritage – Macquarie Island and Heard and the McDonald Islands, Australia's only subantarctic island groups, were granted World Heritage status on 3 December 1997.

Antarctica’s cultural heritage – An insight into understanding how people have worked and survived in Antarctica since 1889.

Antarctic environmental law and guidelines – Designed to provide ready reference to the principal instruments, policy initiatives and responses of the Antarctic Treaty Parties and Australia concerning the protection of the Antarctic Environment. This page provides direct links to source documents.

Environmental links – Links relating to environmental matters specifically in Antarctica.