Any activity or expedition carried out in the area of the Antarctic Treaty will be planned and carried out in a way that limits the impact on the Antarctic environment. In addition, it will be subject to a prior assessment of its possible impact on the Antarctic environment, as well as on the value of Antarctica for scientific research.To this end, it will provide sufficient information to allow such an assessment (Data Declaration for EIA).
The evaluation procedures are applicable to scientific research programmes, tourism and all other governmental and non-governmental activities in the area of the Antarctic Treaty.
Any activity must comply with the requirements of the protocol to the Antarctic Treaty on the Protection of the Environment and its annexes. Annex II highlights the prohibition of the taking of samples or harmful intrusion of native flora and fauna from the area of the Antarctic Treaty, except with a permit issued by the competent authority. Annex V states that any area, including a marine area, may be designated as Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ZAEPs) and Antarctic Specially Managed Areas (ZAEAs). In such areas the activities shall be prohibited, restricted or administered according to the management plans adopted, unless a permit is issued by the competent authority. In both cases the issuance of permits will be made solely and exclusively for scientific purposes.