Implementation of the Convention on the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral Resources Activities

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In June 1988, 20 nations (including the USA) negotiated and signed a Convention on the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral Resource Activities. Each nation is now considering ratification of the convention. If ratified by 16 of the 20 signing nations, the convention will govern exploration for and exploitation of antarctic minerals. Currently no mechanism is in place to govern such activities. In the USA, ratification requires consent by a two-thirds vote in the Senate and approval by the President. The proposal is to design and conduct a workshop at the Keystone Center concerning the implementation of the convention. The workshop will examine the convention in light of its potential ratification and implementation in the United States. The dialog will enable interested groups to interact with involved Federal agencies and to discuss the impacts of implementation. Included will be evaluation of the likelihood of future mineral development in Antarctica, assessment of the potential difficulties and environmental concerns related to antarctic mineral resource development, and identification of possible new responsibilities for Federal agencies. The goal will be to promote communication and information exchange between interested groups and Federal agencies as the agencies begin to consider strategies to implement the minerals regime. The Keystone Center will prepare and distribute a report. A steering committee shall set the agenda for the workshop and decide upon the participants. The steering committee shall be made up of eight people consisting of four Federal agency employees representing agencies involved in the development of the convention and/or implementation legislation and four non-Federal persons representing groups having interests in the outcome of any Federal legislation concerning the convention. The four Federal agencies represented shall be National Science Foundation, Department of State, Department of Interior (Minerals Management Service) and Department of Commerce (NOAA). The eight committee members will be develop the agenda and list of invitees to the workshop on a consensus basis. The Keystone Center, a nonprofit organization founded in 1975, has a proved record of providing neutral fora for policy formulation in the areas of natural resources, science, technology, and health. Robert W. Craig, its founder and president, manages its two major programs in science and public policy and science school development. His background also includes industrial design and planning, humanistic studies, and leadership of expeditions to some of the world's highest mountains. Recently, he served on the National Science Foundation's U.S. Antarctic Program Safety Review Panel. He has a master's degree in philosophy. Mr. Craig will direct the workshop. Michael T. Lesnick conducts training in conflict management and has taught natural resource conflict management theory. He holds a Ph.D. in natural resource policy and environmental dispute resolution. Dr. Lesnick will be co-director of the workshop.