International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)

Antarctica is unique: Geographically Landscape Natural History Politically Geographically – talk about Antarctica is continent surrounded by water. Strong winds circulate around the continent, driving ocean currents, isolating the Antarctic from the warming effects of the oceans to the north. Landscape - Antarctica is the highest, driest, coldest, windiest place on Earth and the permanently cold temperatures have allowed snow and ice to accumulate and create dramatic sceneries of snow and ice. Natural History - Despite these cold temperatures birds, mammals and other life forms, unique to Antarctica have this place their home. Why? Primarily because the oceans are rich with food. But… unique also from a political perspective - Despite its size (bigger than the USA and Mexico) there is no native human population. And, there is no single sovereign power that governs the continent.

Antarctic Treaty Since 1959, Antarctica has been governed internationally by the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty and its subsequent agreements. Under this Treaty, Antarctica has been declared a natural reserve, dedicated to peace and science.

Antarctic Treaty -- Strengths & Weaknesses It exists… Consensus Implementation Non-Treaty Parties Strength is that AT exists… but: a) works on basis of consensus with some 29 Treaty Parties having to all agree unanimously on any decisions… b) agreements then have to be implemented into each parties national legislation which is slow going and can result in various 'interpretations' and c) there are non-Treaty parties whose nationals do not need to comply with the same restrictions. So slow going, and cannot cope with day to day management

International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators IAATO was founded in 1991, to advocate, promote and practice safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. Because there was a clear need for a more practical day to day form of management and standard setting procedures, in 1991 seven Antarctic Tour Operators came together to form IAATO.

Currently IAATO consists of over 110 Members, Associates & Affiliates – Majority are ship or yacht based operations (perhaps explain diversity in operations - yachts, cat 1, cat 2, cruise only) (next slide is land/airbased)

Air- and Land-based Operations IAATO also has air- and land-based operators

Overview Day-to-Day Management & Coordination Program Development Seasonal Operations Waste Management Program Development Environmental Issues Operating procedures External Liaisons Regulators & Governments Education and Outreach IAATO activities fall into 3 broad categories (each are considered in turn in following slides)

Day-to-Day Operations Agreed mutual support Pre-season coordination Vessel database Vessel tracking through season Daily communications MRCC Collaboration Post visit reporting

Program Development: Environmental Issues Here you can talk about the mandatory briefing, site guidelines, wildlife watching guidelines, the bio-security efforts, staff training, the new yacht outreach effort

Program Development: Operating Procedures Waste Management Enhanced Observer Scheme Field Staff Training Online Assessment

Governmental & ATCM Liaisons Reporting on Activity levels Development of management practices IAATO provides extensive reporting on member activities (more comprehensive than any other reporting of activity in Antarctica). IAATO is also involved in development of regulations and management practices

Research & Educational Outreach Research collaboration and data processing Academic publications Education Outreach Additionally support related research work and educational outreach through provision of data and in kind support.

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Antarctic Tourism Numbers Numbers if needed…

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