In order to take a trip to the Antarctic you must be ready for a challenge. From its icy, cold waters to the treacherous freezing peaks of Vinson Massif, Antarctica provides tourists with an untouched and desolate land of immense diversity and beauty. Its particular geography of mountains, peaks, oceans and islands is what makes this continent the most picturesque of all. Together with a unique wildlife and eco system, it isn't difficult to see why Antarctica is becoming such a popular tourist destination.
Humans can affect Antarctica in a number of ways, some of which are very subtle and do not require much thought. For example, by simply touching a penguin or seal, or taking a rock to bring back home, you may be negatively affecting the environment.
Statistics from the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) show that the number of tourists
visiting the Antarctic region has almost doubled since 1992 (see Figure 1). Fortunately, the overall human impact has been minimal because of the extreme and unpredictable conditions which has warded off any forms of a large economy and sustains a lower tourist rate than most other countries in the world. However, humans are | solely to blame for Antarctica's exposure to turmoil over the years. On places such as Deception Island, there are old whaling stations which remind us of how humans used to heavily hunt whales, and how we almost drove the whales to extinction. Also, the contribution Greenhouse gases have made to Antarctica's frozen peaks and icebergs. How the emmitions we produce everyday are affecting it's environment in ways that we don't think about.
The IAATO was founded in 1991 to advocate, promote and practice safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. Since 1991, not much disturbance has been aroused so we suspect that the IAATO are doing their part to relieve the situation. While the IAATO controls the tourists, the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) controls a number of nations. This agreement was negotiated by a handful of the world's nations capable of maintaining a presence on the continent. It was made to protect Antarctic seals and marine living resources. Antarctica is known widely as a peaceful place and that is the way it should stay...
an untouched paradise.
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