India, together with like-minded countries, is actively following the regulation of tourism in Antarctica to protect the delicate ecology of the White Continent. The increasing number of tourists poses a threat to its fragile environment, encouraging discussions on regulation during the upcoming Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) meeting in Kerala’s Kochi from the 20th May to the 30th May 2024.
M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, highlighted the importance of regulating Antarctic tourism, citing its current lack of oversight. The Ministry of Earth Sciences is hosting the 46th ATCM and the 26th CEP meeting, where the agenda will include discussions on regulating tourism. Ravichandran also suggested many plans to facilitate visits to Indian research stations in Antarctica for the general public, highlighting the importance of accessibility.
India and other countries are committed to promoting regulated tourism in Antarctica. Ravichandran stressed that Indian advocates are responsible for tourism and are encouraging like-minded countries to join in this effort. He also said that it is essential to set criteria for tourists visiting Antarctica, which will be discussed and recommended by the ATCM’s working group. Antarctic travel costs researchers approximately Rs 1 crore per person, with travel from Goa to Cape Town and then to Antarctica. India operates two active research stations in Antarctica which is, Maitri and Bharati where scientists conduct research year-round. Maintaining these research bases costs the government between Rs 150 and Rs 200 crore yearly.
Ravichandran highlighted India’s meticulous maintenance of its research stations, exposing them to regular inspections to ensure pristine conditions. Strict waste management protocols are in place, including transporting all waste, including human waste, back to the mainland. Over the past few years, Tourism in Antarctica has seen a steady increase. For the 2022-23 season, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) reported 32,730 cruise-only visitors, 71,346 landed visitors, and 821 deep-field visitors. This growth highlights the urgency of regulating tourism to protect Antarctica’s environment.
Tourism in Antarctica dates back to the 1950s, with tourists originally hitching rides on supply ships. Presently, thousands of visitors transit through Argentina or Chile yearly to visit the continent. Due to the high number of Antarctic tourists, it is important to implement measures that ensure supportable exploration while safeguarding its unique ecosystem. India’s collaboration with like-minded nations to regulate tourism in Antarctica marks a significant step towards preserving the White Continent’s pristine environment. Through careful regulation and responsible management, many countries aim to ensure that future generations can continue to explore and study this extraordinary region without causing harm to its delicate ecosystem.
