Comparative Study of Mineral Resource Management and Environmental Protection in the Area and Antarctica

Abstract

In this thesis, I shall compare the different regimes regulating mineral resource management and environmental protection in the Area and Antarctica, and how these two regimes affect the rights and obligations of developing States. In order to do this, I shall make use of a doctrinal legal research approach to describe each regime, and shall additionally make use of elements from comparative legal methodology in analysing the differences described. Through these methods, I have observed that these regimes share some important similarities regarding environmental protection, peaceful use, and the promotion of scientific research, but more importantly present notable differences with regards to the treatment of developing States, and the management of mineral resources. The increasing need for mineral resources, advances in technology allowing access to ever more remote regions, and the exponential increase in environmental damage caused by human activities all contribute to the significance of this research, and to the need of having a proper understanding of the international community’s approach towards these remote, resource rich, yet delicate ecosystems.