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Abstract
Carvallo, Maria L.
"Antarctic Tourism
Must
Be Managed, Not Eliminated," Forum for Applied Research &
Public
Policy, 1994, 9:1 (Spring), 76-79
Tourism in
Antarctica has increased
steadily, served by commercial
flights, cruise ships, and private yachts. During the 1991-1992 summer season, 6200 tourists visited Antarctica, compared with
fewer than 2000 a decade
earlier. Tourism poses a serious risk to the fragile Antarctic
environment. The
Antarctic Treaty contains six recommendations that require: advance
notice of
nongovernmental expeditions; authorization to visit; familiarity with
treaty
provisions; professional guides accompanying tour groups; insurance;
and
compliance with regulations on waste disposal, marine pollution,
conservation
of flora and fauna, and management of protected areas. These rules are
inadequate in view of the growing influx of visitors, so treaty nations
are
considering more stringent regulations. Several nations currently are
conducting
scientific studies on the impact of tourism in Antarctica. The need for
stricter controls to ensure
responsibly conducted tourism is discussed.
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