Law relating to Protection of the Environment in Antarctica (Law No. 61 of 1997). Country/Territory Japan Document type Legislation Date 1997 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Environment gen., Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Environmental planning Environmental standards Protected area Waste management Cultural heritage Inspection Certification Policy/planning Standards Protection of environment Management/conservation Wild fauna Wild flora Geographical area Asia, Asia and the Pacific, Eastern Asia, North Pacific, North-West Pacific Entry into force notes Enforcement dates are specified in article 1 of Supplementary provisions. Abstract This Law aims at protecting, through international cooperation, the environment of Antarctica by establishing a system to certify Antarctic Activity Plans and by taking measures to restrict certain acts in Antarctica, so as to secure the smooth and accurate implementation of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. No person shall engage in any activity in Antarctica other than Antarctic Activities (art. 7) included in an Antarctic Activity Plan that has been certified by the Director General of the Environment Agency. Chapter III deals with restrictions on activities related to mineral resources (art. 13), restrictions for the conservation of fauna and flora (art. 14), proper disposal and management of wastes (arts. 15 to 18) and restrictions for the protection of Antarctic specially protected areas and Antarctic historic sites and monuments (arts. 19 to 20). The Director General of the Environment Agency may ask a Supervisor and those persons performing acts in Antarctica to report on the status of their performance and may conduct on the spot inspections. The remaining part of the Law contains penal provisions and provisions of miscellaneous nature. Full text English