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ANTARCTICA, CONTINENT OF PEACE
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The history of Antarctica goes back to the times of Ancient Greece, where they believed in the existence of a territory in the south of the world, which they called "Antartikos".
In the 16th century , the Greek hypothesis was taken up again, naming it Terra Australis Ignota, which means Incognito Austral Land , with this they made reference to the lands located beyond the known territory.
However, it was not until the 19th century that hunters, motivated by the search for sea lions and seals, which were told in the stories of the navigator James Cook, first sighted Antarctica.
From then on, the spirit Adventurer of men, he would take them on several expeditions with the intention of knowing more about this new territory.
ANTARCTICA, CONTINENT OF PEACE
CHILEAN ANTARCTICA
Due to the growinginterest in the Antarctic territory, due to its geographical position and resources,territoriallimits were establishedbetween 1856 and 1881, in order to avoid conflicts with other nations.
It was not until 1940 that, through a decree,the limits of the Chilean Antarctic territory were established, materializing the Chilean presence on the Antarctic continent at a legal level.
CHILEAN EXPEDITIONS
The first expedition took place in 1947, where the first Chilean base was inaugurated in the Chilean Antarctic Territory, “Soberanía” (today “Arturo Prat” base), on Greenwich Island (South Shetland archipelago), leaving in it a crew of six sailors, who remained in the place for a year.
The second expedition was in 1948, a military garrison was created to watch over Chilean interests in Antarctica.
ANTARCTICA, CONTINENT OF PEACE
In Washington, on December 1, 1959, the Antarctic Treaty was established, which designates Antarctica as a place of peace and cooperation in scientific research , in addition to guaranteeing environmental protection.
Currently, the Antarctic Treaty has 52 Parties, of which 29 are consultative and 23 are non-consultative (adherents).
Consultative Parties are those States adherent to the Treaty, that have a permanent presence in Antarctica for the development of scientific activities, and that are admitted by the Consultative Meeting, with full rights in the Treaty.
Meanwhile, Non-Consultative Parties are those States that are Adherent to the Treaty, but that do not carry out activities in Antarctica.
