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An Automated T-maze Based Apparatus and Protocol for Analyzing Delay- and Effort-based Decision Making in Free Moving Rodents
Published on: August 2, 2018
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Measuring the performance of Antarctic Treaty decision-making.
Natasha Blaize Gardiner1,2, Neil Gilbert1,2, Daniela Liggett1
1Gateway Antarctica, Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research, School of Earth & Environment, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Summary
Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCMs) decisions increased in number but shifted to nonbinding agreements. This trend may reduce accountability and transparency in Antarctic environmental protection efforts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental policy
- International governance
- Polar science
Background:
- Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCMs) are crucial for Antarctic conservation and environmental protection.
- Scholarly consensus suggests ATCM decision-making is increasingly unresponsive to regional environmental challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Antarctic Treaty decision-making performance over six decades.
- To measure the rate and diversity of decisions made at ATCMs.
- To analyze trends in legally binding versus nonbinding agreements.
Main Methods:
- Quantified the number of inputs and outputs at ATCMs from 1961 to 2022.
- Calculated the time for legally binding outputs to enter into force.
- Assessed the range of topics covered in ATCM inputs and outputs.
Main Results:
- The average number of agreements per ATCM increased significantly between 1961 and 2022.
- While the diversity of discussed topics remained high, the adoption of legally binding agreements declined sharply.
- Most Antarctic issues are now addressed through nonbinding, 'soft-law' agreements.
Conclusions:
- The shift towards soft law in Antarctic governance may indicate institutional evolution but raises concerns about accountability and transparency.
- Overreliance on nonbinding agreements hinders the ability to measure performance and impacts of conservation decisions.
- Further analysis is needed to understand the full impact of Antarctic Treaty governance on environmental protection.
