Posted: February 16th, 2023

An assessment of the environmental regulatory framework regarding increasing tourism activity in Antarctica

An assessment of the environmental regulatory framework regarding increasing tourism activity in Antarctica

Antarctica, the southernmost continent, has attracted an increasing number of tourists in recent years. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) reports that the number of tourists visiting Antarctica has increased from 9,000 in 1995-96 to over 50,000 in 2019-20. The increase in tourism activities has raised concerns about the impact on the fragile ecosystem of the continent. This article aims to assess the current environmental regulatory framework regarding increasing tourism activity in Antarctica.

Environmental regulatory framework for tourism in Antarctica

The Antarctic Treaty System
The Antarctic Treaty System is a framework for international cooperation in Antarctica. The treaty was signed in 1959 by 12 countries, and now has 54 parties. The treaty aims to preserve the continent for peaceful purposes and scientific research. In 1991, the treaty was amended by the Madrid Protocol, which introduced a comprehensive environmental protection system for Antarctica.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
The Madrid Protocol requires all activities in Antarctica to undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to evaluate the potential impact on the environment. The EIA process includes a comprehensive review of the proposed activity and its potential impacts, identification of measures to mitigate the impacts, and monitoring and reporting requirements. The EIA process is conducted by the national Antarctic programs of the parties to the Antarctic Treaty.

International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) is a membership organization that promotes environmentally responsible tourism in Antarctica. IAATO members are required to adhere to strict guidelines and procedures to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment. IAATO has developed guidelines on waste management, visitor behavior, and wildlife interactions. IAATO also requires its members to undergo a third-party audit to ensure compliance with the guidelines.

Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPA)
Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPA) are areas designated by the Antarctic Treaty System as being of exceptional environmental value. These areas are protected by strict regulations that prohibit or limit human activities. Currently, there are 72 ASPAs in Antarctica, covering a total area of over 2.2 million square kilometers.

Assessment of the environmental regulatory framework

The current environmental regulatory framework for tourism in Antarctica is comprehensive and robust. The Antarctic Treaty System provides a strong legal framework for international cooperation in Antarctica, and the Madrid Protocol has introduced a comprehensive environmental protection system. The EIA process ensures that all activities in Antarctica undergo a thorough review and evaluation of their potential impacts on the environment. IAATO has developed strict guidelines for its members to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment, and the ASPAs provide additional protection for areas of exceptional environmental value.

However, there are some challenges in implementing the environmental regulatory framework in Antarctica. One challenge is the lack of enforcement mechanisms. The Antarctic Treaty System relies on cooperation and consultation among the parties, and there are no sanctions or penalties for non-compliance with the treaty or the Madrid Protocol. Another challenge is the limited capacity of the national Antarctic programs to conduct EIAs and monitor the impacts of tourism activities. Finally, there is a need for better coordination and cooperation among the national Antarctic programs, IAATO, and other stakeholders to ensure that the environmental regulatory framework is effective in protecting the environment.

Conclusion

The increase in tourism activity in Antarctica has raised concerns about the impact on the fragile ecosystem of the continent. The current environmental regulatory framework for tourism in Antarctica is comprehensive and robust, but there are some challenges in implementing the framework. The Antarctic Treaty System, the EIA process, IAATO, and the ASPAs provide a strong legal and regulatory framework for protecting the environment. However, there is a need for better coordination and cooperation among the national Antarctic programs, IAATO, and other stakeholders
Sources
The Antarctic Treaty Secretariat. (2019). The Antarctic Treaty: The Madrid Protocol. https://www.ats.aq/e/antarctictreaty/madridprotocol.html
International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. (2021). About IAATO. https://iaato.org/about-iaato
Australian Antarctic Division. (2019). Environmental impact assessment. https://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/environment/protection-and-management/environmental-impact-assessment/
Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty. (2017). Antarctic Specially Protected Areas. https://www.ats.aq/devASPA/home.aspx
Fretwell, P. T., Staniland, I. J., Forcada, J., & Wilson, E. (2018). The limits and potential of using penguins as bioindicators of tourism effects in Antarctica. Biological Conservation, 227, 228-238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2018.08.025