Artikel 12

1. The functions of the Committee shall be to provide advice and formulate recommendations to the Parties in connection with the implementation of this Protocol, including the operation of its Annexes, for consideration at Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, and to perform such other functions as may be referred to it by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings. In particular, it shall provide advice on:
a) the effectiveness of measures taken pursuant to this Protocol;
b) the need to update, strengthen or otherwise improve such measures;
c) the need for additional measures, including the need for additional Annexes, where appropriate;
d) the application and implementation of the environmental impact assessment procedures set out in Article 8 and Annex I;
e) means of minimising or mitigating environmental impacts of activities in the Antarctic Treaty area;
f) procedures for situations requiring urgent action, including response action in environmental emergencies;
g) the operation and further elaboration of the Antarctic Protected Area system;
h) inspection procedures, including formats for inspection reports and checklists for the conduct of inspections;
i) the collection, archiving, exchange and evaluation of information related to environmental protection;
j) the state of the Antarctic environment; and
k) the need for scientific research, including environmental monitoring, related to the implementation of this Protocol.
2. In carrying out its functions, the Committee shall, as appropriate, consult with the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, the Scientific Committee for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and other relevant scientific, environmental and technical organizations.