On this day in ...... 1991, the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was opened for signature. This followup to the 1principal treaty of 1961 (prior post) would enter into force 7 years later, and now has 28 member states. Its mandatory provisions include commitment to the "comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment"; designation of Antarctica (right) (photo credit) as a "natural reserve, devoted to peace and science"; articulation of environmental protection principles; prohibition of commercial mineral resource activity; and requirement of environmental impact assessment of any proposed activity.
