The Last Continent Must Remain a Pristine Wilderness

The 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) in Kochi highlighted the complexities of regulating tourism in Antarctica, an area governed by international consensus and facing rapid environmental changes.

Controversy Surrounding Antarctic Tourism:

• Introduction to the Issue: Antarctic tourism has surged since the 1990s, with tourist numbers exceeding 1,00,000 in the 2022-23 season. The growth, driven by interest in adventure travel, poses significant environmental threats.
• Environmental Concerns: Increased human presence disrupts wildlife, damages ecosystems, and risks introducing invasive species. Tourism also contributes to pollution and carbon footprints, exacerbating climate change impacts on vulnerable ecosystems.
• Balance Between Benefits and Risks: While tourism offers educational and economic benefits, it also pressures the balance between scientific research, responsible tourism, and environmental protection.

Global Governance and Policy Implications:

• Gaps in Regulatory Framework: The Antarctic Treaty (1961) and the Madrid Protocol provide broad guidelines but lack specific tourism regulations. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) currently self-regulates, which many view as insufficient.
• Challenges of International Consensus: ATCM requires unanimous agreement for decisions, often hampering effective regulation. National interests and differing interpretations of Antarctic principles further complicate governance.
• Recent Developments: ATCM-46 made progress by establishing a working group to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework. However, significant challenges remain in achieving consensus and implementing effective measures.

Challenges of Implementation and Ensuring Inclusivity:

• Historical Challenges: Efforts to regulate tourism have been debated since the 1960s. A proposed tourism annex in 1991 failed, leading to reliance on IAATO. Fragmented approaches have resulted in non-binding guidelines rather than comprehensive regulation.
• Consensus Rule Limitations: Unanimous approval is required, leading to “decision making by non-decision making” where unregulated activities continue. Proposals such as banning permanent tourism facilities have failed due to lack of consensus.
• India's Role: India emphasized the need to address tourism impacts on research and conservation. Despite international challenges, India enacted its own Antarctic Law in 2022, advocating for robust environmental protection and monitoring.

UPSC Mains Questions

Q. Discuss the challenges and implications of regulating Antarctic tourism under the current international governance framework. Suggest measures to enhance environmental protection while accommodating responsible tourism.