We believe that Antarctica is one of the few places on this planet to remain relatively untouched by human activity. We strongly believe that it should remain a natural reserve only available for scientific research, well beyond the expiration of the Antarctic Treaty in 2048! Antarctica and its surrounding waters are already under enormous pressure from a variety of forces. We already know climate change is tremendously transforming the area.  We assume the situation will only become worse, unless we have a united front on Global Warming. Antarctica is one of the only places on earth that is not inhabited by humans on a regular basis, yet more and more people – mostly tourists – visit the Antarctic Peninsula which means more disturbances to the already fragile ecosystem. While the Antarctic Treaty forbids commercial mineral extraction on the continent itself, the treaty doesn't prevent offshore exploration, as the demand for oil and other resources continues to grow.

The protection of the Ross Sea was a first step, but we want whole Antarctica as a protected maritime area! 

This petition is created by the micronation "Grand Duchy of Flandrensis". We are not a real country, nor is it our intention to be recognized. Started in 2008, we are a small ecologic project to raise on a creative manner awareness for climate change. With the claim to be “The only country in the world that doesn't want its land inhabited by people”, Flandrensis wants to make a statement to the international community. Representing citizens in 54 countries worldwide who are concerned about the current situation in Antarctica, we see it as our responsibility to protest against organizations or countries who harm the Antarctic environment and to support the ones who want to transform Antarctica into one protected maritime area.