Tighter Toursim Control called for in Antarctica
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called for tighter controls over tourism and other forms of pollution in Antarctica, arguing for greater global cooperation to help preserve the continent's environmental and scientific research value. She said the United States is proposing new international limits on the number of landings from tourist vessels, as well as greater cooperation to prevent potentially hazardous discharges from those ships. The issue of tourism in the Antarctic has become an increasingly divisive issue in recent years, pitting scientists and preservationists against a travel industry. Over 46,000 tourists visited Antarctica in the 2007-2008 tour season -- almost four times as many visitors as during the 2000-2001 season, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. A number of international scientific research stations have been established in Antarctica in part to help explore the probable causes and effects of global warming.Twelve nations initially signed the Antarctic Treaty in 1959; 47 nations abide by it today. The accord specifies that Antarctic territory cannot be used for military purposes. It bans, among other things, nuclear testing and the disposal of radioactive waste material on the continent. It also protects freedom for international scientific research in the region.
Source: Travel Mole / CNN
Published on 21-04-2009