CYIL Vol. 7, 2016

MARTINA FILIPPIOVÁ CYIL 7 ȍ2016Ȏ Appointment of the Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty was adopted for this purpose. 10 Remarkably, an overwhelming majority of Consultative Parties co-sponsored a working paper that came from the pen of the USA. Such unprecedented support was owed to its objective, which was a Confirmation of Ongoing Commitment to the Prohibition of Mining Activity in Antarctica, other than for Scientific Research. 11 The occasion of the 25 th anniversary of the Madrid Protocol surely called for such a Proclamation on Antarctic Mining Ban. As it is often misunderstood that the prohibition on Mining Activity in Antarctica expires in 2048, a Resolution reaffirming the continued prohibition on Mining Activities in Antarctica beyond such a year was adopted by the Meeting. 12 As every year a tour de table took place regarding the only substantial point of the agenda item on liability, the status of ratification and implementation of Annex VI to the Madrid Protocol. After more than 10 years from its adoption in Stockholm, only 13 Consultative Parties approved the Annex VI. 13 Five of them, all European States, namely Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, the Russian Federation and Sweden, reported the application of domestic legislation implementing Annex VI while awaiting entry into force of Annex VI. Whereas it was noted that no overall progress was made towards the entry into force of Annex VI, the Consultative Parties that already implemented the Annex VI offered to share their experience. By way of example, the Netherlands prepared the background paper with its domestic legislation. 14 Antarctica is generally known as a place devoted to peace and science. As such it is subject to extensive scientific research and cooperation. In order to increase general knowledge of Antarctica and the scientific research in this area, the scientists (and not only them but predominantly they) give lectures on the research activities on this continent. In connection with that, Education and Outreach was recognized as an important part of the activities carried out in Antarctica. For the Contracting Parties a Forum on Education and Outreach was established and States had the opportunity to share intersessionally information concerning key events related to Education and Outreach and also educational materials. 15 As a good practice it was decided to continue with this Intersessional Contact Group also next year. It was further agreed that this contact group would also discuss the possibility of creation of a section on Education and Outreach in Antarctica at the ATS website. Such a section might be public and proponents of its creation suggested that it would provide a link to the 10 Decision C (2016). 11 Working paper 38. Also the Czech Republic was one of the co-sponsors. 12 Resolution D (2016). 13 Australia, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, the Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

14 Background paper 7. 15 Working paper 24.

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