The significance of Antarctica: an assessment of the environmental regulatory framework regarding increasing tourism activity

• Main Authors: Γαντσίδου, Μαρίνα, Gantsidou, Marina
• Other Authors: Sakellariadou, Fani, Σακελλαριάδου, Φανή, Σχολή Ναυτιλίας και Βιομηχανίας. Τμήμα Ναυτιλιακών Σπουδών, MSc Sustainability and Quality in Marine Industry
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Πανεπιστήμιο Πειραιώς 2021
• Subjects: Antarctica; Sustainability; IAATO; Sovereignty; Regional international society; Governance; ATCP; EIA; Antarctic tourism; Tourism evolution; Antarctic Treaty; CoronaVirus; Antarctic; Eia; The Antarctic; Antarc*
• Online Access: https://dione.lib.unipi.gr/xmlui/handle/unipi/13672; https://doi.org/10.26267/unipi_dione/1095

It is a fact over the past years, the considerable increase of tourism activities has become a big issue of growing concern. While the majority of tourists in Antarctica travel on ships that carry large numbers of passengers, an increased number of travelers decide to visit Antarctica as individual tourists, in smaller groups. This non-stop growing demand for activity-based tourism and new activities such as kayaking, snowboarding, climbing, or scuba diving are starting to attract the attention of more and more travelers. This study analyzes the legal framework in places such as the Antarctic System (ATS) that was signed by several States and establishes this region as an international area dedicated to research and science. Tourism in Antarctica is a well-established and profitable industry, however, this increased activity in Antarctica could endanger the fragile environment in the case of a catastrophic maritime accident. This research examines the regulatory framework relating to the environmental protection of Antarctica by evaluating past accidents and at the same time factorizing the increasing presence of cruise ships in this pristine polar area. In order to succeed this, it is crucial to understand how this activity is regulated, what are the factors that jeopardize the environment, which are the instruments created by IMO and private parties to deal with this issue, and finally, assess if these regulations are enough to ensure safe operations. A thorough literature review regarding the extended regulatory framework (IAATO, Antarctic Treaty) was conducted. In addition, examining the level of conformity of the operators and the effectiveness of the inspection realized by member States of the ATS was included. The results indicate that the regulations have a positive impact on the operation ensuring best practices in order to protect the environment, although, certain incidents demonstrate the need to enhance safe operations in the continent. The issue of manning levels is clearly standing out as an issue of further investigation in order to safely and effectively conduct high manning levels operation in this hostile environment, with very adverse weather conditions.