The purpose of the Decree is to ensure the protection of the Antarctic environment and its dependent and associated ecosystems, to preserve Antarctica's value (including wild and landscaping values), and to maintain the area's scientific research activities. These regulations are also aimed to all activities in Antarctica for the safety and self-sufficient planning and execution. It applies to air and water quality, glacial and marine environment, biological, scientific, historic or aesthetic impact on the wild habitat. Various tasks prescribed by the present Decree are assigned to the Norwegian Polar Institute. Such tasks include the granting of licences and the supervision on the implementation and enforcement of provisions of the present Decree. The 41 sections of the Decree are divided into 9 Chapters and 2 Comments to the regulations on environmental protection and safety in Antarctica: Introduction provisions (1); General provisions (2); Requirements for activity in Antarctica (3); Preliminary and comprehensive impact assessment (4); Protection of flora and fauna (5); Handling pollution and waste (6); Responsibilities for acute pollution (7); Special protection and management areas (8); Particular provisions (9). Comment I - General Information. Comment II - Comments on the individual provisions.
Antarctic Environment Protection Decree (No. 412 of 2013).