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U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 2401. Congressional findings and declaration of purpose
(a) Findings
The Congress finds that -
(1) for well over a quarter of a century, scientific
investigation has been the principal activity of the Federal
Government and United States nationals in Antarctica;
(2) more recently, interest of American tourists in Antarctica
has increased;
(3) as the lead civilian agency in Antarctica, the National
Science Foundation has long had responsibility for ensuring that
United States scientific activities and tourism, and their
supporting logistics operations, are conducted with an eye to
preserving the unique values of the Antarctic region;
(4) the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol establish a firm
foundation for the conservation of Antarctic resources, for the
continuation of international cooperation and the freedom of
scientific investigation in Antarctica; and
(5) the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol establish
international mechanisms and create legal obligations necessary
for the maintenance of Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted to
peace and science.
(b) Purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the conservation
and protection of the fauna and flora of Antarctica, and of the
ecosystem upon which such fauna and flora depend, consistent with
the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol.
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