南极旅游开发的环境影响THEIMPACTOFTOURISMINANTARCTIC.ppt

THE IMPACT OF TOURISM IN ANTARCTICA IAATO estimates that more than 40,000 tourists will visit Antarctica in the 2007-8 season.(IAATO - International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) Antarctic tourism: Cruise ships (landing and non-landing) Fly-cruise and over-flights Small commercial and private vessels Adventure tourism (climbing, skiing kayaking, diving etc) Some individual sites in Antarctica are receiving large numbers of tourists … Human Impacts in Antarctica Ozone layer thinning Greenhouse warming Ice-melt Ocean circulation changes Disruptions to biological/ecological cycles Potential Human Impacts in Antarctica Introductions of non-native species Disturbance to animal and plant populations Transmission of diseases Potential Human Impacts in Antarctica Removal of “souvenirs” Disruption of research activities Aesthetic impacts Potential Human Impacts in Antarctica Pollution Maritime accidents Carbon Footprint The growing popularity of Antarctic tourism combined with predicted decreases in annual sea-ice extent is likely to stimulate more voyages to Antarctica by greater numbers of vessels. This would contribute to an increase in the “Carbon footprint” of Antarctic tourism. Antarctic tourists may already have a higher carbon footprint than most other tourists Long-haul flights to reach ports of departure in the southern hemisphere. Long-distance cruise legs. Maintenance of high-energy “luxury” on-board environments to ensure client comfort in polar conditions. Current lack of knowledge Antarctic tourists generally: Value wilderness environments Appreciate wildlife Are environmentally concerned Seek to gain further knowledge and understanding of the environment Pass on this knowledge to others Are good “advocates” for Antarctic conservation So shouldn’t the Antarctic tourism industry be leading the way and doing more to develop “green” operating standards?  Challenge: not all Antarctic tourism enterprises are members of IAATO or abide b