Adaptive Management of Sustainable Tourism in Antarctica: A Rhetoric or Working Progress?

Abstract

Growth and diversification of tourism activities in Antarctica have not been matched by proactive strategies for planning or management. Recognizing that the adaptive management approach has been effectively implemented in managing tourism in protected areas, we examine to what extent this approach has been incorporated into the Antarctic tourism research and management, and what constraints exist for its implementation. To better understand the extent of literature contributions, we conducted an appraisal of 72 peer-reviewed journal articles published from 1992 to 2020 and Antarctic management documents. From a scientific perspective, researchers have been advocating for adaptive management approaches to Antarctic tourism and have applied different elements, particularly ecological assessments, design of management measures, monitoring, and regulatory mechanisms. However, these contributions have not been necessarily translated into management policy and regulations. We acknowledge that full implementation of an adaptive management approach is not easily achievable due to the unique Antarctic regime. However, we argue that comprehensive site-specific and regional adaptive management models could be applied as the first step for a more systematic implementation. This incremental approach could contribute to enhanced stakeholder participation and improved decision-making processes, ultimately leading to a more proactive and effective management of Antarctic tourism, essential for the conservation of the continent.

A systematic and major review of proactive environmental strategies in hospitality and tourism: Looking back for moving forward

“…More research on sustainability in the tourism sector is urgently needed (Elkhwesky, Salem, Varmus et al, 2022; Ruiz‐Ortega et al, 2021). The current study is also significant because proactive management in tourism is needed (Cajiao et al, 2021; Saarinen et al, 2020). The recent review assists the tourism industry in supporting communities (Saarinen et al, 2020) through adopting PESs.…”

Sea ice concentration decline in an important Adélie penguin molt area

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A review of leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) births and pups using a standardised age-class classification system

“…Hupman et al 2015;Aristeidou et al 2021;Soteropoulos et al 2021), including leopard seals (Hupman et al 2020). However, we believe that there is scope for this to be more comprehensive for leopard seals in other regions, including Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic Islands where eco-tourism has shown tremendous growth (Sanson, 1994;Cajiao et al 2021) and has supported field data collection (e.g. Cusick et al 2020).…”