Hon Deputy Speaker, hon members, Deputy Ministers, comrades, friends, ladies and gentlemen, I rise on this occasion on behalf of the Portfolio Committee on Water and Environmental Affairs to recommend the unconditional adoption of Annex VI to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty - Liability Arising from Environmental Emergencies, which has been unanimously - not anonymously - adopted by all parties in the portfolio committee.
The Antarctic Treaty system provides the framework for international co- operation under which various conventions and protocols regarding Antarctica were negotiated. The objectives of the Antarctic Treaty are to regulate scientific research and the tourism potential of Antarctica to the benefit of all humankind, and to preserve the use of the continent exclusively for peaceful purposes.
South Africa does not claim sovereignty over any Antarctic territory and does not recognise the right or claim to territorial sovereignty of any other state. South Africa's involvement within the treaty and its subsidiary conventions and protocols are in line with the generally accepted scientific principles for Antarctica and our geographical proximity to Antarctica.
The environment of Antarctica is significant, because it's been changed very little by people. Scientists can study the area to find out how our environment evolved and is still evolving, naturally without human interference. This is relevant to us as our knowledge of environmental behaviour and change is vital for shaping our management and conservation practices that are critical for enduring environmental sustainability in perpetuity in so far as the needs of future generations are concerned.
The original treaty was signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 12 June 1961. South Africa is an original signatory state alongside 11 other parties. Today there are 47 parties to the treaty. The treaty has proved itself to be one of the most forward-looking and successful international agreements of all time, effectively symbolising a model of international co-operation amongst nation states.
It is important to note that several protocols have since been successfully negotiated within the framework of the original treaty, including the Convention on Conservation of Antarctic Seals; the Convention on Conservation of Antarctica Marine Living Resources; the Convention on Regulation of Antarctica Mineral Resource Activities; and, lastly, the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.
Annex VI to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty - Liability Arising from Environmental Emergencies, also referred to as the Madrid Protocol, is the most recent instrument negotiated under the treaty and was introduced to Parliament for consideration and ratification in terms of section 231 (2) of the Constitution of our Republic.
Annex VI creates a framework for parties to require organisations or entities, whether governmental or nongovernmental, that plan activities in the Antarctic Treaty area to develop and implement contingency plans to reduce the risk of environmental incidents when they do occur.
South Africa has a strong interest in preserving the pristine and sensitive Antarctic environment and its resources, and also to limit the impact of human-made environmental emergencies for future generations and for the betterment of humankind.
The key focus of Annex VI on environmental emergencies arising in the Antarctic area is, firstly and primarily, for South Africa to ensure compliance of its operators within certain preventative measures that were put in place to reduce the risk of environmental emergencies; and secondly, enabling the South African government to claim expenses or damages arising from clean-ups or operations launched from other countries directly, from offending operators or from an international fund to be established. Without a system of compensation in place, the South African government has to take such actions without any certainty that its expenses or damages will be reimbursed by the responsible parties.
Annex VI fully supports South Africa's strategic interest as it advances our goal of protecting the environment; establishes incentives for Antarctica operators to act responsibly; and provides for the reimbursement of costs incurred by our government when it responds to environmental emergencies caused by others.
The annex will encourage operators to take greater steps to prevent environmental emergencies, especially of oil spills. Ratifying Annex VI, which deals with liability arising from environmental emergencies, will provide South Africa with a unique opportunity to highlight and promote its excellent environmental protection image and hence give our nation a respected voice in multilateral processes.
The portfolio committee, having considered the request for approval by Parliament of the aforementioned Annex VI referred to it, recommends that the House ratify Annex VI to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. I thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
Annex VI to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty - Liability arising from Environmental Emergencies approved.