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How we got involved and why

South Africa's involvement in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands dates back to the earliest voyages of discovery, due to the then Cape of Good Hope's position as a stopover for explorers, whalers and sealers.

After World War II South Africa became more formally involved, undertaking meteorological expeditions to the Prince Edward Islands. A permanent weather base was established on Marion and the annexation by SA of these islands was concluded in 1948. In 1959 the first South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) was undertaken, establishing a permanent presence on Antarctica that endures to this day.

International responsibility - the treaty

South Africa, along with eleven other countries, is a founder member of the Antarctic Treaty of 1959. This treaty, of which there are some 45 member nations, establishes the legal framework for the management of the region. Signatories undertake to ensure that the Antarctic region will be used for peaceful and scientific purposes only and to protect and preserve the environment.

The most recent treaty consultative meeting was held in Cape Town in 2004. At these annual meetings, decisions are made by consensus (not by vote) of all consultative member nations. Issues discussed in Cape Town included operationalisation of the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat, tourism and other non-governmental activities in the region, as well as the development of a liability regime related to the Antarctic environment.

Over the years, South Africa has become party to various activities pertaining to the Antarctic, including the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). SCAR is an international body operating within the International Council of Science (ICSU) framework. SANAP, via SCAR, submits an annual report to ICSU. Several South Africans participate in international SCAR working groups, groups of specialists and capacity building programmes to promote the involvement of young scientists.