AECO Guidelines for visitors to the Arctic

ILJA LANG ―Responsible, environmentally-friendly and safe tourism ―46 members. 26 of which operate approximately 32 expedition cruise vessels all over the Arctic ( passengers) Association for Arctic Expedition cruise operators (AECO) AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

ILJA LANG ―To ensure that expedition cruises and tourism in the Arctic is carried out with the utmost consideration for the fragile, natural environment, local cultures and cultural remains, as well as the challenging safety hazards at sea and on land. AECO’s objectives AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

Operational guidelines Visitors guidelines Wildlife guidelines Biosecurity guidelines Site specific guidelines AECO’s comprehensive guidelines for cruise operators in the Arctic AECO’s guidelines for visitors to the Arctic NEW animated bit.ly/1G2btW6 Considerations to prevent disturbance of wildlife Research-based measures to prevent the introduction of alien species Site specific guidelines for sites in Svalbard (ongoing work on additional sites/areas) AECO guidelines AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

HRG STAFF SEMINAR 2012 Operational guidelines Ilja Leo Lang ―Detailed regulations for Arctic operations on environmental and safety considerations, as well as cultural and social interactions ―Operational guidelines are developed and decided by the members ―All members are obliged to comply with these AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

HRG STAFF SEMINAR 2012 Operational guidelines Ilja Leo LangAECO Guidelines Presentation 2015  Planning procedures  Co-operation  Contacts  Education- and information requirements  Equipment  Group sizes, distances, speed, noise and paths  Considerations, behavior etc.  Reports ― Content

AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015 Visitors guidelines ―Safe, considerate and environmentally friendly tourism  Our responsibility  Your attention and respect

 Take nothing with you – leave nothing behind  Do not pick the plants and flowers  Keep a no-disturbance distance from birds and animals. Avoid noise, keep conversations low and stay away from nesting birds  Leave cultural remains alone  Respect local culture and support local communities AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015 Visitors guidelines ―A few basic rules

 Avoid walking on wet vegetated areas  If possible, do not step on flowers or plant beds  Do not build or alter cairns – they may be signposts  Do not touch dead birds or animals – there has been rabies in Arctic regions AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015 Visitors guidelines ―During landings

 Be sure to always have your life vests on properly  One passenger enters and leaves the boat at a time  Use the sailors grip when embarking and disembarking the boat  Always remain seated Never more than one standing passenger at any time  Secure equipment and belongings to avoid losing items overboard AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015 Visitors guidelines ―Small boat excursions

 Take the polar bear danger seriously  Your guides will carry firearms and other bear deterrents  The guides have been trained in use and handling of firearms  Always follow instructions given by your expedition leader or guide AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015 Visitors guidelines ―Polar bears

 Potentially dangerous  Never approach or attempt to pet or feed arctic dogs without permission and supervision from the dog owner/handler AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015 Visitors guidelines ―Arctic dogs

 Respect local cultures  Respect privacy; keep a good distance from private houses and never glance or photograph through private windows  Ask before you photograph – a hesitation means no  Buy local souvenirs and products – look for CITES AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015 Visitors guidelines ―Cultural interaction

 Tourism can be a great way of learning about, promoting and creating tolerance between people with different backgrounds and cultures  Do not judge other cultures based on own sense of reality, norms and values  Cultures are different  Do not expect to find everything as it is at home – you have left home to find things different AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015 Visitors guidelines ―Cultural understanding

Biosecurity guidelines ― New biosecurity guidelines AECO General Presentation 2014

HRG STAFF SEMINAR 2012 Ilja Leo Lang More Information AECO web site: We wish you a safe, environmentally-friendly, respectful and unforgettable Arctic experience. Thank you for helping us! AECO Guidelines Presentation 2015

Thank you