In its Edinburgh Declaration on the International Polar Year 2007-2008, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting said:

“We, the Antarctic Treaty Parties, express our support for a successful International Polar Year. We believe that the scientific research undertaken during the International Polar Year will increase knowledge of the Antarctic and will yield a better understanding of the major terrestrial, ocean and atmospheric systems that control the planet. The polar regions are sensitive barometers of climate change, and we value their biodiversity. Their health is vital to the well-being of the earth’s systems and its inhabitants.”

This International Polar Year builds on the historic achievements of the three previous initiatives which took place in 1882-83, 1932-33 and 1957-58. It is a joint initiative of the World Meteorological Organisation and the International Council for Science, and its aim is to provide better observation and understanding of the Earth’s polar regions, and to focus the world’s attention on their importance. Fifty years ago, the international scientific and logistical cooperation of the International Geophysical Year paved the way for the successful negotiation of the Antarctic Treaty. This Treaty has stood the test of time and has secured Antarctica as a continent of peace and science ever since.

A pdf of the Edinburgh Declaration on the International Polar Year 2007-2008 is also available.