In Donald R. Rothwell, Evan T. Bloom, Suzanne Lalonde and Jeffrey McGee (eds), Elgar Concise Encyclopedia of Polar Law. Cheltenham, Edward Elgar, pp. 343-347
Norway is the only nation claiming sovereignty in both polar regions, and its engagement in Antarctic governance reflects its nationals’ longstanding involvement in regional exploration, resource use and scientific research. Contested legal issues have included sovereignty and sovereign rights, balancing economic use and environmental protection and developing the Antarctic Treaty System. This article describes Norway's history of Antarctic engagement and its role in current international governance issues. Norway’s main reason for upholding Antarctic sovereignty claims has evolved from protection of economic activities to promotion of political influence in the development of the Antarctic Treaty System, aiming for consensus solutions that recognise the legitimacy of sustainable use of marine living resources in the Southern Ocean.
