The Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty's historical-legal meaning and contribution to the development of the Antarctic activities' regulations is analyzed. Its main challenges and the areas that need deeper normative development are determined. The importance of the environment's recognition as an object to be protected by the Antarctic Treaty System is highlighted, but it is also emphasized the need to solve some existing problems. The Protocol has been indubitably a milestone in the relation of the human being with Antarctica, but it must continue it progressive development to front new challenges of today and tomorrow.