Argentine Antarctica - Argentine Claim

Argentine Claim

According to historical claims, the Argentine presence in the section began during the first decade of the 20th century; though some even affirm that it took place by the end of the previous century. However, navigators from other countries claimed the discovery of Antarctica for themselves. By the end of the 20th century the aid lent by Argentina to foreign expeditions, in particular that of Nordensöld, Gerlache and Charcot, was properly appreciated. This included the assignment of Argentine place names to Antarctic geographic features, such as the Argentine Islands, Uruguay Islands, General Roca, Quintana, and others.

In 1904 the permanent occupation began with the opening of Orcadas Base on Laurie Island just off the Antarctic mainland. Argentina was the only nation to have an Antarctic base for 40 years until the British built a base on the same islands.

Argentina bases its claims on this sector of Antarctica on the following grounds:

• The Antarctic peninsula is geologically and geographically part of the Andes.
• Argentina has maintained a permanent occupation for more than a century, and controls the oldest base in Antarctica (Orcadas Station on Laurie Island).
• Argentina conducts many rescue missions in Antarctica.
• Argentina has constructed lighthouses and other navigational aids in Antarctica.
• Argentina constructed Antarctica's first airport in 1969
• Argentines form more of Antarctica's peninsula's population than nationals of any other country.
• The first Antarctican was born in Esperanza Base (Hope Base), namely Emilio Palma.
• Argentina has sent more people to Antarctica than all the other countries together.

Argentina's claim to the Antarctic Peninsula overlaps with the Antarctic claims of Chile, 53°W to 90°W, and the UK claims, 20°W to 80°W, and is not recognized by most other countries. See List of Antarctic territorial claims.

Currently, there are no attempts by Argentina or any other country to enforce territorial claims in Antarctica.