Global IssuesAntarcticaNew Zealand Relationship with AntarcticaEnvironmental Protection in AntarcticaAntarctic Marine Living Resources and the Ross SeaVisiting Antarctica (Science and Tourism)Ross Sea StrategyDisarmamentEnvironmentHuman RightsSecurityInternational OrganisationsAfricaAsia NorthAsia South and SoutheastAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastNorth AmericaPacific
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In recent years tourism in the Antarctic region has diversified and expanded. In just over ten years visitor numbers have risen from 5000 to more than 25,000. Projections suggest the number could increase by a further 10,000 over the next five years. Currently around 500 tourists depart each year from New Zealand to visit the Ross Sea region.
In May 2003 the Government adopted a policy statement on tourism and other non-governmental activities in Antarctica. The Policy responded to increasing concern about the management of the environmental effects of tourism as well as safety and potential jurisdictional issues that may arise as a result of the expansion and diversification of these activities. New Zealand is working within the Antarctic Treaty System to make the management of tourism more effective and to ensure it is conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. New Zealand’s policy is based on a precautionary approach to protecting the fragile Antarctic environment.
Tourism is expected to be a key item on the agenda once again at the next Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.
Consistent with Antarctica’s status as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science, and the obligation to minimise the environmental impacts of all activities, New Zealand will work within the Antarctic Treaty System to limit tourism and other non-governmental activities in Antarctica, and to ensure that where they do occur they are conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner by:
