The Antarctic Treaty, signed in Washington on 1 December 1959, guarantees the use of Antarctica exclusively for peaceful purposes while promoting freedom of scientific research and international cooperation and facilitating the exchange of scientific observations and results, which will be freely available.
Spain subscribed to the Antarctic Treaty in 1982 and was admitted as an advisory party in 1988.
The Treaty, together with the Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty on the Protection of the Environment, the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (CCAS) and the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), make up the Antarctic Treaty System.
In accordance with Article IX of the Treaty, the representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet annually for the purpose of exchanging information, mutual consultation on matters of common interest relating to Antarctica, and formulating, considering and recommending measures to their governments for the promotion of the principles and objectives of the Treaty. This forum is the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM).