00:00There are almost 200 countries in the world, and each has a bunch of laws that citizens
00:06should follow.
00:08Some of them might be pretty strange sometimes.
00:11For example, in some places in Greece, it's prohibited to wear heels.
00:17Meanwhile, in Samoa, it's illegal to forget your wife's birthday.
00:25What if I told you there's a place on Earth with absolutely no laws, and it's not a country,
00:31but an entire continent?
00:33Welcome to Antarctica!
00:36At least that's what I'll tell you if you manage to scrape together your savings and
00:39shell out at least $8,000 to travel to the South Pole.
00:44Technically speaking, there are no laws here, just like I mentioned before.
00:48Since it isn't a country, it can't have any laws.
00:53The situation there isn't too different from being out in international waters.
00:58If there were laws governing Antarctica, that would imply it's a sovereign territory ruled
01:03by some government or governments.
01:06Sorry to burst the bubble for all the power-hungry folks, but this continent isn't up for grabs.
01:12Seven countries, namely Great Britain, New Zealand, France, Chile, Norway, Australia,
01:18and Argentina, have territorial claims on it.
01:22And there are actually people living there right now.
01:26So how do things get done in Antarctica?
01:30Its status is like a no-man's land, and world powers plan to keep it that way.
01:35In reality, the international scientific community governs Antarctica, since they're the ones
01:40working and operating on the continent.
01:44However, this cooperation likely wouldn't have been possible without the Antarctic Treaty
01:49of 1959, which laid the groundwork for how everything functions today.
01:55To be honest, this treaty isn't something that can pique your interest.
02:00It basically states that Antarctica should remain neutral and includes some basic information
02:04about its territorial status, that's all.
02:08There's really nothing useful for the average traveler like you and me.
02:13When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?
02:16Before going somewhere, it's cool to know specific things about your destination.
02:20Like that in Singapore, chewing gum can get you in serious trouble.
02:25Or that in Tajikistan, grown men aren't really advised to wear shorts in public.
02:31So imagine you've found that money, bought the heaviest jacket you could find, and finally
02:37ventured into this land.
02:39What do you need to know, and what should you absolutely avoid doing there?
02:45It all starts with how you pack your bags.
02:47One big tip for anyone visiting this continent is to adhere to the don't-pack-a-pest rule.
02:54You must follow strict procedures to avoid introducing non-native species into the environment.
03:00Most of these non-natives are plant species, around 121, including fungi.
03:05But some folks have managed to introduce 72 invertebrates, 8 mammals, and 3 bird species.
03:13There are even worms in Antarctica now.
03:16Actually, every time a new species comes to Antarctica, it has all the chances to become
03:21an invasive species in case they survive the frigid temperatures.
03:27Invasive species often flourish in new environments because they lack natural predators.
03:33Take the brown tree snake for example.
03:35These snakes were accidentally brought to Guam in the late 40s or early 50s.
03:40With no local predators, and plenty of birds and rodents to munch on, their numbers skyrocketed.
03:47They even caused the extinction of 9 out of 11 forest bird species on the island.
03:52It's clear that the negative reputation of invasive species is well-deserved for both
03:57animals and plants.
04:00So to ensure the list of plants in Antarctica doesn't grow, there are strict hygiene rules
04:05in place.
04:07Everything you bring must be washed, decontaminated, and inspected daily.
04:13For example, all the Velcros you've got?
04:15They're prime hiding spots for plants, and they'll even give you a quick vacuum just
04:19to make sure you're not sneaking in any seeds.
04:23Once you're there, be prepared for things to get a bit dirty.
04:27You can't take an actual shower in Antarctica.
04:30It doesn't matter if you're visiting for one day or 50.
04:33You just can't do it.
04:35There's no running water, so say hello to wet wipes and bid farewell to flushing toilets,
04:40too.
04:41All in all, going number two isn't the best experience.
04:45Imagine you lower your pants while bundled up in a few down jackets and settle onto a
04:50bucket.
04:51No ceramic throne for you here.
04:53Enjoy your potty and get throwbacks to the times when you were a toddler.
04:58Inside that bucket, there's a plastic bag tucked within another.
05:02Once the inner bag is filled with solid waste and toilet paper, you seal it up tight with
05:06a couple of cable ties.
05:08Then wrap the outer bag around it and secure it in the same way.
05:12After that, the bucket is covered with a plastic lid and shipped off to New Zealand for proper
05:16disposal.
05:18Why New Zealand?
05:19I don't know.
05:22I know you're curious since I only touched upon number two.
05:26Number one rule.
05:27Collect your waste in 20-liter barrels.
05:30Unlike your more serious discharge, this barrel won't be shipped to New Zealand, as it can
05:35be treated right there at the base.
05:38Once you're done, make sure to wash your hands.
05:40Ha, gotcha.
05:41You can't do that, you princess.
05:44Just hit the hand sanitizer to clean your hands.
05:47Now, if you want a drink, please do not eat the snow.
05:52First off, it's very much protected there.
05:55Second, it will only make your thirst situation worse.
05:58Rumor has it, if you eat snow to quench your thirst, you can get dehydrated.
06:03But it's more of a myth.
06:05But the risk of hypothermia is very real.
06:07So if you want to have a cup of tea and you need some water, you'll have to boil some
06:11ice.
06:12Don't worry, it's not expired just because it's millions of years old.
06:17The boiling will do the trick.
06:19By the way, nothing goes bad there, so you don't even need a fridge to keep food fresh.
06:24The researchers living there store their food outside because, in their camps, there are
06:28no bugs.
06:31Speaking of Antarctic wildlife, it might be tough for you as a tourist to spot any creatures
06:36in the wild.
06:37But even if you do, please resist the urge to feed them.
06:41It's a big no-no to feed, touch, or handle birds or seals.
06:46And don't approach or photograph them in a way that disrupts their behavior.
06:50Plus, their stomachs might not appreciate what you have to offer.
06:55Another thing you have to be super cautious about is lichen.
07:00When people picture Antarctica, they usually envision endless snow with an occasional peak
07:04of black rock underneath.
07:07But believe it or not, plants do grow there.
07:11Various types of grass, moss, and lichen.
07:16Since these plants take a long time to grow, especially with six months of total darkness
07:21and temperatures that can plunge negative four degrees Fahrenheit even in summer, be
07:26mindful of where you walk, stick to the snow, and don't step on the lichen as it's vital
07:32to Antarctica's ecosystem.
07:35Also, don't leave things on the ground.
07:39There is a rule against this to prevent disturbing local biodiversity.
07:44Snow is just as protected as lichen.
07:47You can't pick it up or make snow angels.
07:50So basically, you've got to preserve this precious white stuff.
07:53And no throwing snowballs either.
07:57There is a tiny loophole in the law, though.
07:59There are specific small areas where you're allowed to hang out.
08:03You can break the rules if there are no penguin colonies within 12 miles.
08:08At a place called Portal Point.
08:10Technically, when you're there, you're in the UK.
08:14Portal Point is a narrow spot in the northeast part of Recluse Peninsula, on the west coast
08:19of Gramland.
08:22When it comes to the delicate balance of Antarctica, leave stones alone, too.
08:27Remember the butterfly effect?
08:29Even a small action can set off a chain reaction.
08:32Everyone loves a souvenir, but if everyone takes a rock, there will be none left.
08:37So just a heads up, taking anything, rocks, feathers, bones, or even soil is a big no-no.
08:45And if you spot something human-made, hands off.
08:48It could be scientific gear.
08:50If you find something cool like a fossil, just take a pic and make a note of where you
08:54found it.
08:56Scientists will appreciate it way more than you will.
08:59Plus, you'll get an awesome shot.
09:01It's a win-win!
09:02That's it for today!
09:05So hey, if you pacified your curiosity, then give the video a like and share it with your
09:09friends!
09:10Or if you want more, just click on these videos and stay on the Bright Side!
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