Other Protected Areas designated under the Antarctic Treaty
System
Specially Reserved Area (SRA)
Purpose
The purpose of SRAs is to protect representative examples of the major geological, glaciological
and geomorphological features of Antarctica, as well as representative examples of areas of
outstanding aesthetic, scenic, and wilderness value.
A Management Plan is required for each SRA to distinguish between activities that would, or
would not, jeopardize the special values to be protected. The designation of SRAs will be
subsumed by Annex V of the Protocol, when it enters into force. The designation has not been
formally approved by the ATCPs.
| Description of Specially Reserved Area |
| 1. |
North side of the Dufek Massif, Pensacola Mountains |
|
The SRA lies north of the mountain crest from 82°36'S, 53°30'W (Brown Nunataks) on
the west to 82°26'S, 50°36'W (Cox Nunatak) on the east to a line from Cox Nunatak to
a point on the snow surface 1 km north of the north edge of Forlidas Ridge to Brown
Nunataks. Approximate area: 480 km2. Designation on the grounds that the area
contains outstanding geological, geomorphological, aesthetic, scenic, and wilderness
values. It is presently in a pristine condition and it is important to protect these values
while allowing permitted access. Proposed by the USA. The Management Plan for the
area was voluntarily adopted by the ATCPs at the ATCM XVI (Bonn, 1991). (SPA No.
23 lies within the area of SRA No. 1). |
Multiple-use Planning Area (MPA)
Purpose
The purpose of MPAs is to assist in coordinating human activities in areas where such activities
pose identified risks of mutual interference or cumulative environmental impacts.
A Management Plan is required for each MPA to identify environmental characteristics
threatened by current or planned activities, and to establish specific measures to avoid or
minimize harmful and cumulative impacts. The designation of MPAs will be subsumed by
Annex V of the Protocol when it enters into force. The designation has not been formally
approved by the ATCPs.
| Description of Multiple-use Planning Area |
| 1. |
South-west Anvers Island and vicinity |
|
The MPA lies between 64°41'30"S and 65°S, and between 63°40'W and 64°35'W.
Approximate area: 1535 km2. Palmer Station (USA) is within the MPA, as are many
island groups. The area includes SPA No.17 and SSSI No.20. Designation on the
grounds that the area, because of its diverse environmental features and scientific
history, will become increasingly important for long-term studies of the natural
variability in Antarctic ecosystems, the impact of humans on Antarctic communities,
and the possible effect of global change on the Antarctic environment and on the
physiology and behaviour of its flora and fauna. Proposed by the USA. The
Management Plan for the area was voluntarily adopted by the ATCPs at the ATCM
XVI (Bonn, 1991). |