General Guidelines for Visitors to the Antarctic
The Representatives,
Recalling Resolution 5 (2005), Resolution 2 (2006), Resolution 1 (2007), Resolution 2 (2008), Resolution 4 (2009) and Resolution 1 (2010) which adopted lists of sites subject to Site Guidelines;
Acknowledging the benefits of focusing on site-specific information in Site Guidelines;
Recalling Recommendation XVIII-1(1994) Guidance for those organising and conducting tourism and non-Governmental activities in the Antarctic;
Noting that Recommendation XVIII-1(1994) provides guidance on both environmental and organisational matters;
Affirming the value of providing general environmental advice to visitors to complement site-specific information;
Acknowledging the work of the Committee for Environmental Protection since 1998 in enhancing the understanding of environmental impacts associated with visits to Antarctica;
Noting the desirability of providing contemporary advice to visitors to Antarctica to guide them in minimising their impacts at all sites;
Believing that the General Guidelines for Visitors to the Antarctic must be reviewed and revised as further information becomes available;
Confirming that the term “visitors” does not include scientists conducting research within such sites, or individuals engaged in official governmental activities;
Recommend that:
1. their Governments endorse the annexed General Guidelines for Visitors to the Antarctic;
2. the Guidelines be placed on the website of the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat;
3. their Governments urge all those intending to visit sites in Antarctica to ensure that they are fully conversant with and adhere to the advice in these General Guidelines for Visitors to the Antarctic; and
4. Parties work to make Recommendation XVIII-1 (1994) effective as soon as possible.
The Representatives,
Recalling Resolution 5 (2005), Resolution 2 (2006), Resolution 1 (2007), Resolution 2 (2008), Resolution 4 (2009) and Resolution 1 (2010) which adopted lists of sites subject to Site Guidelines;
Acknowledging the benefits of focusing on site-specific information in Site Guidelines;
Recalling Recommendation XVIII-1(1994) Guidance for those organising and conducting tourism and non-Governmental activities in the Antarctic;
Noting that Recommendation XVIII-1(1994) provides guidance on both environmental and organisational matters;
Affirming the value of providing general environmental advice to visitors to complement site-specific information;
Acknowledging the work of the Committee for Environmental Protection since 1998 in enhancing the understanding of environmental impacts associated with visits to Antarctica;
Noting the desirability of providing contemporary advice to visitors to Antarctica to guide them in minimising their impacts at all sites;
Believing that the General Guidelines for Visitors to the Antarctic must be reviewed and revised as further information becomes available;
Confirming that the term “visitors” does not include scientists conducting research within such sites, or individuals engaged in official governmental activities;
Recommend that:
1. their Governments endorse the annexed General Guidelines for Visitors to the Antarctic;
2. the Guidelines be placed on the website of the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat;
3. their Governments urge all those intending to visit sites in Antarctica to ensure that they are fully conversant with and adhere to the advice in these General Guidelines for Visitors to the Antarctic; and
4. Parties work to make Recommendation XVIII-1 (1994) effective as soon as possible.
