Antarctica Tourism Framework On Hold, But Talks Progress

A recent meeting on Antarctica addressed concerns about growing tourism. While a formal framework for regulations wasn’t implemented, nations agreed to collaborate on developing one in the coming year. This framework will focus on mitigating the environmental impact of tourism in this fragile continent.

No Framework Adopted for Regulating Antarctic Tourism:

• Countries met at the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ACTM) in Kochi from May 20-30.
• They did not adopt a framework to regulate tourism in Antarctica.
• They committed to doing so in the near future.

Decision to Develop a Framework:

• Nations adopted a decision to develop a framework for regulating tourism.
• This framework will be ambitious, comprehensive, flexible, and dynamic.
• It will cover tourism and non-governmental activities in Antarctica.

India’s Role and Initiatives:

• India hosted the 46th ACTM meeting.
• India announced a special working group to create a tourism framework for Antarctica.

Discussions and Future Plans:

• The main discussion was about consolidating the decision to consider the framework.
• This will be addressed in the next 12 months and beyond.
• Parties agreed to discuss priority items before the next ACTM meeting.
• Priority areas include tourism growth, diversification, monitoring, compliance, enforcement, and governance.

Proposed Framework Document:

• A document titled “Comprehensive and Consistent Framework for the Regulation of Tourism and Other Non-Governmental Activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area” was prepared.
• It was created by several countries, including India.
• Consultative Parties are invited to develop proposals before the first meeting.

Increase in Antarctic Tourism:

• A 2024 study estimated a rise in visitors from 8,000 a year in 1993-1994 to 105,000 in 2022-2023.
• This increase could significantly impact the sensitive Antarctic environment.

Concerns About Gray Water Disposal:

• Countries responded positively to concerns about unregulated gray water disposal.
• Only sewage (black water) is currently regulated under the Protocol on Environmental Protection.
• Parties supported initiatives to share best practices and investigate gray water management options.
• Some parties expressed concern about the environmental impacts and support further scientific research.

Emperor Penguin Proposal:

• No decision was taken on designating the emperor penguin as a Specially Protected Species.
• The Ross Seal is the only species with this status.
• The UK proposed this in 2022, but one country blocked it.
• Rising temperatures and changing wind patterns impact sea ice, crucial for emperor penguins.
• Studies warn their population could decrease by over 50% by 2100.

Environmental Impact Of Tourism In Antarctica

• Disruption of wildlife: Tourists can disturb wildlife by getting too close, making noise, or altering their natural habitats. This can stress animals, interrupt breeding cycles, and even lead to death.
• Introduction of invasive species: Tourists can unintentionally bring in seeds, insects, or other organisms on their clothing or gear. These invasive species can disrupt the delicate Antarctic ecosystem.
• Pollution: Cruise ships and other tourist vessels can pollute the air and water with emissions and waste. This can harm marine life and contaminate the pristine environment.
• Increased risk of spills: More ships traveling to Antarctica means a greater chance of fuel spills or other accidents, which can have a devastating impact on the environment.
• Impact on fragile ecosystems: Tourists often visit areas with unique plant and animal life. Foot traffic and physical contact can damage these vulnerable ecosystems.

The Antarctic Treaty System

The Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) is a series of international agreements that govern all human activity in Antarctica. Established during the Cold War, it’s a unique and successful example of international cooperation focused on environmental protection and peaceful scientific research.

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the ATS:

Signing of the Antarctic Treaty

• The Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington on December 1, 1959.
• It was signed by twelve nations active during the International Geophysical Year (IGY).
• These nations are:
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • Chile
  • France
  • Japan
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • USSR
• The Treaty also provides that any member of the United Nations can accede to it.
• The Treaty now has 52 signatories, 28 are Consultative Parties on the basis of being original signatories or by conducting substantial research there.

Scope and Effectiveness of the Treaty

• The Treaty applies to the area south of 60° South latitude.
• It is short but remarkably effective.
• It allows countries to consult on the uses of the entire continent.
• There is a commitment to prevent international discord in Antarctica.

Core Principles:

• Peaceful Purposes: Antarctica is designated for peaceful purposes only, prohibiting military activity and weapons testing.
• Scientific Freedom: The continent is dedicated to scientific research, with freedom of scientific investigation guaranteed for all signatory nations.
• International Cooperation: Collaboration on scientific research and information exchange is encouraged.
• Environmental Protection: The ATS prioritizes environmental protection and the conservation of Antarctica’s unique ecosystems.
• Territorial Claims on Hold: Existing territorial claims are neither recognized nor disputed, effectively putting them on hold.

Components of the ATS

• The Antarctic Treaty (1959): The foundation of the ATS, it sets the core principles for international cooperation and peaceful use of Antarctica.
• Madrid Protocol (1991): This comprehensive environmental protection agreement prohibits mineral resource exploitation, regulates waste disposal, and establishes a system of Specially Protected Areas and Specially Managed Areas for enhanced conservation.
• Other Agreements: Several additional agreements within the ATS address specific issues like marine living resources conservation, marine pollution prevention, and protected areas management.

Decision-Making

• Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCMs): Held annually, these meetings bring together all Consultative Parties (countries with a substantial scientific research program in Antarctica) to discuss and adopt new measures and recommendations for managing human activities in Antarctica.
• Consensus-Based Decisions: All decisions within the ATS are made through consensus, ensuring all parties have a say.

The ATS in Action

• The ATS has been instrumental in maintaining peace and promoting scientific research in Antarctica.
• It has established a strong framework for environmental protection, safeguarding this fragile ecosystem.
• The system continues to evolve to address emerging challenges like tourism regulation and climate change impacts.

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