Impact of Human Activities in Antarctica: Dissecting the Concepts of Ecologically Sustainable Development and Natural Reserve for Peace and Science

Based on International Association of Antarctica Tour Operations (IAATO) survey from 1991 until 2006, the Antarctic tourist season that runs from October to April has grown from around 6,000 visitors in the mid-1990 s to 35,000 in 2006. In 1991, there is a recognition of the potential environmental impact on the Antarctic that has supports immense marine biodiversity, including numerous species of seabirds, penguins as well as seals, whales and countless billions of marine invertebrates. Through the 1959 Antarctic Treaty and the adoption of the Environmental Protocol 1991, Antarctica is recognized as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science. The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of conserving Antarctica by complying with the two concepts below. Concepts on sustainable development such as the Ecologically Sustainable Development need to be revisited to enhance the concept of ‘natural reserve, devoted to peace and science’ for the Antarctica. Using the qualitative methodology, questions that need to be answered are – whether the national operating agencies take into consideration the qualitative growth as compared to quantitative growth in Antarctica. Also whether the increase in human population in Antarctica (number of tourists and visitors) has adverse effects to the natural reserve?