Saving Antarctica? Civil society on a continent without citizens

This project aims to investigate the historical and contemporary influence of civil society, specifically environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs), on Antarctic environmental governance.

Spanning from 1978 to the present day, the study examines pivotal periods in Antarctic governance, focusing on the roles of key ENGOs such as Greenpeace and the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC).The research is structured into three main phases: (1) analyzing the formative years of Antarctic environmental protection regimes (1978-1992), (2) evaluating the dynamics between ENGOs and the Antarctic Treaty System during a period of stability (1992-2007), and (3) assessing the contemporary impact of ENGOs in addressing current anthropogenic threats to the Antarctic environment.Methodologically, the project employs a mixed-methods approach, combining archival research, media analysis, oral history, and participant observation.

It is organized around five impact domains: agenda setting, expertise and information provision, advocacy and lobbying, representation and participation, and monitoring and accountability.

The project collaborates with ASOC, getting access to their archives.Elucidating the historical context, evolving dynamics, and contemporary challenges, this study seeks to provide insights into the potential strategies and effectiveness of ENGOs in shaping Antarctic governance, thereby contributing to the ongoing discourse on environmental protection in Antarctica.