La Antártida: Importancia Geopolítica y Económica

Abstract

In the international context, many governments demand recognition of the occupation of certain territorial spaces, within the framework of international law and agreements. For example, Argentina was the first country (1904) to claim sovereignty and establish a permanent base in Antarctica. However, the Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, introduced a political governance regime that required the development of strategies and policies designed to ensure freedom of scientific research and international cooperation. The Antarctic region is important for geopolitical and economic reasons. Notable resources include the abundance of edible algae, more than 200 species of fish, and the discovery of iron and copper. Finally, its geographic location allows for air communications, via intercontinental transpolar routes.