German Tourism Activities in the Antarctic Area: A Governmental Perspective

Abstract

The interrelationship between tourism development and polar environments became a hot topic in the last decades. Since climatic changes lead to altered ecosystems including the alteration of species, composition in areas with previous icy and hostile conditions, especially the use of polar landscapes, came into touristic focus. However, the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica has been an exceptional destination to experience nature and follow the path of adventurers since its discovery. To fulfill the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Environmental Protocol) with the aim to protect the Antarctic area as well as possible, the procedure of granting a permit for tourism activities is well developed in German legislation. For decades, Germans have accounted for more than 10% of all tourists enjoying the special landscape during a cruise to Antarctic coasts. This puts them in the top 3 of the world together with American and British tourists. Since 2000, the German Federal Environment Agency recorded information on German tourist activities in the area of Antarctica from yearly post-visit reports. These data may support discussions on possible steps toward required regulations for polar tourism in the near future. Some aspects of land-based tourism on the Antarctic continent, and especially on the Antarctic Peninsula and islands nearby, are highlighted with regard to the potential consequences within the frame of environmental protection and climate change. Due to the lack of knowledge which impedes thoroughly environmental assessments for all touristic activities, the German Federal Environment Agency aims to encourage research and political institutions to support the development of a concept of sustainable tourism for the Antarctic Treaty area.