The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) is a commitment between the United States and Canada to restore and protect the waters of the Great Lakes. This two volume handbook deals with various aspects of environment ranging from conservation to atmospheric pollution to hazardous substances.This page provides information about certain international treaties, protocols and other agreements to which the United States is a party. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed in Madrid on October 4, 1991 and entered into force in 1998. It designates Antarctica as a "natural reserve, devoted to peace and science" (Art. 2). Places selected as World Heritage Sites are protected under international law and can be eligible for international financial assistance.