BEIJING - A draft regulation of Antarctic human activities is under discussion, which aims to keep the environmental impact to a minimum in the South Pole, according to the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration.

The draft covers all activities including scientific research, tourism, exploration, fishery and transportation in the Antarctic. Activities involving nuclear, mineral resources and those of a military nature are prohibited.

No Antarctic activity shall take place until it is judged, based upon assessment of its possible impact, that the activity in question would not cause significant adverse effects on the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems.

The assessment report and advance notice are required before entering the Antarctic area, according to the draft regulation.

A senior official of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration told China Daily anyone who violates the regulation will be punished.

He said if someone polluted the Antarctic area, he or she must restore the affected environment and receive a penalty or be forbidden from entering the Antarctic area temporarily.

No details about penalties and punishments were revealed.