Extreme Tourism - Antarctica Flashcards
What is an extreme environment?
An area which involves dangerous landscapes and often a difficult climate. Most extreme environments don’t have many people living there and access is limited. Antarctica is a perfect example of this!
Why do people chose to go to an extreme environment on holiday?
Because they enjoy the thrill and the adrenaline rush given by doing activities undertaken in extreme environments. These activities include, ice-walking, rock climbing, paragliding ect.
The IAATO have put many rules in place to keep Antarctica safe and the tourist environmentally friendly?
Tourists are only allowed to visit some areas, they cannot visit the Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
No ship can carry over 500 passengers and land in Antarctica. Also only 100 people are allowed to walk on the land at any one time.
Ships are only allowed to use light fuel oil to reduce the impact of a fuel spill.
Why are these rules put in place?
The impact of tourism on extreme environments can be very bad. In Antarctica animals, especially penguins and seals, are not used to humans and can be very disturbed by any contact with them.
There has also been accidents when big ships have had oil spills, these are becoming an increasing hazard for the wildlife.
Erosion!!
