Analyzing the Implementation of Annex VI (Liability Arising from Environmental Emergencies) for Antarctic Environmental Protection in South Korea.

Park, Y., 2023. Analyzing the implementation of Annex VI (Liability Arising from Environmental Emergencies) for Antarctic Environmental Protection in South Korea. In: Lee, J.L.; Lee, H.; Min, B.I.; Chang, J.-I.; Cho, G.T.; Yoon, J.-S., and Lee, J. (eds.), Multidisciplinary Approaches to Coastal and Marine Management. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 116, pp. 319-322. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. After the 18th century, human activities related to Antarctica were followed by concerns about the Antarctic environment and efforts to preserve it. The Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and subsequent treaties formed the Antarctic Treaty System, most of which regulates the conservation and peaceful use of the environment and ecosystem. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (1991), also known as the Madrid Protocol, comprehensively regulates Antarctic environmental protection; Article 16 stipulates a liability system. In the end, after long discussions, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting adopted Annex VI (Liability Arising from Environmental Emergencies) in 2005 to establish a liability regime. This annex will go into full effect with the approval of all Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties. Eighteen years have passed since this annex was adopted in 2005. Among the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties, 19 countries have approved Annex VI. However, countries involved in Antarctic activities, including South Korea, the US, Japan, and Argentina, have not yet approved Annex VI. The necessity of ratifying Annex VI is increasing for the important policy goal of environmental protection under the Antarctic Treaty System. Considering South Korea's position as a leader in Antarctic scientific research and polar activities, demands for international ratification are expected to intensify. Through an analysis of the contents of Annex VI, this article presents legal issues and considerations for South Korea's implementation of legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]