1. AECO
Guidelines for visitors to the Arctic

2. Association for Arctic Expedition cruise operators (AECO)
AECO Guidelines Presentation 2016
ILJA LANG
Association for Arctic Expedition cruise operators (AECO)
Responsible, environmentally-friendly and safe tourism
51 members. 27 of which operate approximately 34 expedition
cruise vessels all over the Arctic ( passengers)

3. AECO Guidelines Presentation 2016
ILJA LANG
AECO’s objectives
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.

4. AECO guidelines Operational guidelines Visitors guidelines
AECO Guidelines Presentation 2016
AECO guidelines
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
ANIMATED See:
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)
Visitor guidelines: New 2012 edition
Site guidelines: expedition 1 in 2011 resulted in the first 9, expedition 2 in 2012 will soon result in another 11.
Wildlife guidelines: the first one is about whalrus.

5. Operational guidelines
AECO Guidelines Presentation 2016
HRG STAFF SEMINAR 2012
Ilja Leo Lang
Operational guidelines
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

6. Operational guidelines
AECO Guidelines Presentation 2016
HRG STAFF SEMINAR 2012
Ilja Leo Lang
Operational guidelines
Content
Planning procedures
Equipment
Co-operation
Group sizes, distances, speed, noise and paths
Contacts
Considerations, behavior etc.
Education- and information requirements
Reports

7. Visitors guidelines Safe, considerate and
AECO Guidelines Presentation 2016
AECO Guidelines Presentation 2016
Visitors guidelines
Safe, considerate and
environmentally friendly tourism
Our responsibility
Your attention and respect

8. Visitors guidelines A few basic rules
AECO Guidelines Presentation 2016
Visitors guidelines
A few basic rules
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

9. Visitors guidelines During landings
AECO Guidelines Presentation 2016
Visitors guidelines
During landings
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

10. Visitors guidelines Small boat excursions
AECO Guidelines Presentation 2016
Visitors guidelines
Small boat excursions
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

11. Visitors guidelines Polar bears Take the polar bear danger seriously
AECO Guidelines Presentation 2016
Visitors guidelines
Polar bears
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

12. Visitors guidelines Arctic dogs Potentially dangerous
AECO Guidelines Presentation 2016
Visitors guidelines
Arctic dogs
Potentially dangerous
Never approach or attempt to pet or feed arctic dogs without permission and supervision from the dog owner/handler

13. Visitors guidelines Cultural interaction Respect local cultures
AECO Guidelines Presentation 2016
Visitors guidelines
Cultural interaction
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

14. Visitors guidelines Cultural understanding
AECO Guidelines Presentation 2016
Visitors guidelines
Cultural understanding
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

15. Biosecurity guidelines
AECO General Presentation 2014
Biosecurity guidelines
New biosecurity guidelines

16. More Information AECO web site: www.aeco.no
AECO Guidelines Presentation 2016
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!

17. Thank you