From gateway to custodian city: Understanding urban residents' sense of connectedness to Antarctica

• Published in: Geographical Research
• Main Authors: Leane, E, Lucas, CH, Marx, K, Datta, D, Nielsen, H, Salazar, JF
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia 2021
• Subjects: Human Society; Human geography; Social geography; Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-5871.12490; http://ecite.utas.edu.au/144953

Antarctic gateway cities have been characterised primarily as portals through which goods and services from around the world can be transported to the frozen continent. However, recent research suggests that this concept should be expanded to address other forms of connectivity, including those felt by people living in these cities rather than simply passing through them. In this article, we explore the meaning of urban relations to Antarctica in the 21st century, focusing on the Australian city of Hobart. We outline evolving understandings of gateway cities, and of Antarctic gateways particularly; examine Hobarts diverse connections to the far south; and analyse current public policy related to the citys gateway status. We then report the results of a survey ( n = 300) conducted in 2018 to investigate how citizens understand their citys relationship with Antarctica. Survey results show that residents prioritised ecological concerns over economic or political issues and felt strongly that the city should play a custodian role in the future of Antarctica. Hobartians strong sense of environmental and cultural connectedness with Antarctica suggests a need to rethink the concept of Antarctic gateways if policy is to reflect adequately the meaning of this identity to residents of the cities that circle the southern continent.