Any activity or expedition undertaken in the Antarctic Treaty area must be planned and conducted in a manner that limits the impact on the Antarctic environment. In addition, prior to its commencement, it shall be subject to a prior assessment of its potential impact on the Antarctic environment, as well as of the value of Antarctica for the conduct of scientific research. For this purpose, adequate information must be submitted in order to carry out such an assessment (EIA Data Statement).
The assessment procedures apply to scientific research programmes, tourism and all other governmental and non-governmental activities in the Antarctic Treaty area.
All activities must comply with the requirements of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty and its annexes. In particular, Annex II prohibits the collection of samples or harmful interference with flora and fauna indigenous to the Antarctic Treaty Area, except with a permit issued by the competent authority. Annex V stipulates that any area, including a marine area, may be designated as Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) and Antarctic Specially Managed Areas (ASMAs). In these areas, activities will be prohibited, restricted or managed according to adopted management plans unless a permit is issued by the competent authority. In both cases, permits shall be issued for scientific purposes only.