As Antarctica evolves from a scientific haven to a sought-after tourist hotspot, intensifying concerns about its ecological fragility all eyes are now on India which is leading discussions at the ongoing ten days 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in Kerala, on regulating tourism to safeguard the icy continent's pristine wilderness.
Similar deliberations are being held at the 26th meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP).
Discussions around regulating tourism have been ongoing in the ATCMs since 1966, but so far these have been just centered around agenda items, sessions, papers, or resolutions. This is for the first time a dedicated working group for regulating tourism in the region has been formulated at the 46th ATCM, hosted by India in Kochi from May 20.
The gathering has over 350 participants from nearly 40 nations, deliberating on the climate change threats exacerbated by the increased tourists' footfalls at the continent's fragile ecosystem. This is leaving the continent's wildlife like Penguins at the receiving end.
According to reports, the surge in Antarctic tourism over the past four decades is staggering, with visitor numbers skyrocketing from just a few hundred to over 100,000 in recent seasons, predominantly arriving on cruises.
In such a concerning backdrop, it has become crucial upon the countries to ensure comprehensive regulations be framed to ensure the sustainable and responsible exploration of this unique and pristine region. India will be playing a key role as it is expected to bring a series of actionable recommendations to be incorporated into the broader framework of the Antarctic Treaty System.
While addressing the session at the meet, Dr M Ravichandran, secretary of the Union Ministry of Earth and Sciences and Head of the Indian delegation, said, "Antarctica represents one of the last frontiers of wilderness and scientific discovery. As stewards of this extraordinary region, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that all activities, including research and tourism, are conducted in a manner that preserves its ecological integrity for future generations."
Dr Ravichandran said, "India being a committed member of the Antarctic Treaty System recognises the pressing need to address the growing tourism activities in Antarctica and their potential impact on the continent's fragile environment."
He reiterated that India has always advocated for a comprehensive, proactive, and effective tourism policy anchored in precautionary principles.
"The collaborative efforts of nations within the Antarctic Treaty System are crucial in preserving the pristine environment and advancing scientific research in Antarctica. Through its leadership and commitment, India continues to play a key role in shaping the future of Antarctic governance," said Ambassador Pankaj Saran, chairperson of the 46th ATCM and 26th CEP.
The ATCM and CEP are high-level global annual meetings conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty, a multilateral agreement of 56 Contracting Parties signed in 1959.
An official from the Ministry said during these meetings, member countries of the Antarctic Treaty discuss issues pertaining to the science, policy, governance, management, preservation and protection of Antarctica.
The CEP was established under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol) in 1991. The CEP advises the ATCM on environmental protection and conservation in Antarctica. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa under MoES Ministry, and the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat is jointly organising these meetings.
Dr Thamban Meloth, director of NCPOR, said India has a legal framework to regulate India's activities in Antarctica, including tourism, through the Indian Antarctic Act enacted in 2022 but this is for the first time that regulations will be framed.
He said, "The Indian Antarctic Act aligns India's tourism regulations with international standards and collaborates with other Antarctic Treaty nations to achieve common conservation goals."
There has been a 40 per cent increase in travel from the pre-pandemic season of 2019-20, spiked by the urge partly to "last-chance tourism," to witness Antarctica's wonders before they vanish due to climate change.
Ironically, the very phenomenon threatening Antarctica is facilitating easier access for tourists, as melting sea ice extends the cruising season, prompting travel companies to expand capacity and introduce new, luxurious options such as Silversea's Silver Endeavour for expedited trips.
Yu-Fai Leung, a professor at North Carolina State University specialising in Antarctic travel research, aptly highlights the significant environmental impact of traveling to Antarctica. He emphasised that the long flights and cruises across vast distances in harsh conditions contribute substantially to carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change and posing a threat to the continent's delicate ecosystem.
Leung points out that the carbon footprint of an Antarctic cruise can rival the annual emissions of an average European, primarily due to the heavy pollution generated by cruise ships and the extensive air travel involved.
This underscores the unique environmental challenges posed by Antarctic tourism compared to other forms of travel.
