President Obama’s administration is going to propose amendments to the Antarctic Treaty at a conference today. They’re seeking to not only mandate the treaty under international law instead of its current state of voluntary enforcement, but they will also be pushing to limit tourism to the continent in an effort to make sure operators comply with strict environmental regulations.
The proposed amendment will require ships visiting Antarctica to be carrying less than 500 persons, restrict landings to one vessel at a time, allow no more than 100 persons on the continent at any one time, and also mandate at least one guide for every 20 persons landed.
While these rules might make travel to Antarctica a little bit harder, and maybe even a little bit more expensive (if that’s possible). I still think it’s the right move. It truly is the last frontier, and I for one would not like to see it become the next tourist hot spot.
http://www.travelersdigest.com/antarctica.htm
