| Summary: | This report outlines the activities and associated environmental impacts of Event K396 in 1999. A Preliminary Environmental Evaluation made predictions of any impacts prior to arriving in Antarctica. This audit states the observed impacts according to each activity completed by Event K396, and options for impact mitigation and alternative activities. The Certificate in Antarctic Studies is a Graduate level course aimed at people who wish to further their study or work in an Antarctic related field. The value Of this unique education opportunity is high. On completion of both the theory and practical field components, participants have expertise in a variety of issues regarding Antarctica. The following points summarise the major findings of this audit: Event K396 performed a variety Of activities as part of the field studies for the course. Each activity is discussed separately, and an itinerary outlines the location, number of people and logistics involved, Alternatives to the existing activities include- alterations to the location and nature of current activities, cancelling the field component, or no change to the existing activities. Environmental impacts that arose from the field activities are listed according to the activity. It is interesting to compare the predicted impacts in the PEE, to the actual impacts in this report Cumulative impact assessment was addressed and the impacts were not found to be less than nunor or transitory. Options for mitigating or minimising environmental impacts are available and listed for each activity. With little knowledge about the resilience of Antarctic ecosystems to disturbance, impacts should be minimised. The outlook for the course, as referred to in this report, is 5 years, hence the importance Of regular monitoring. • Overall, the education value of Event K396 justifies the field studies, but adverse impacts were detected as a result of activities. An Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) is recommended for the Certificate in Antarctic Studies, for the year 2000 ...
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