Travellers the globe over are responding increasingly to the imperative that being an aware and responsible tourist is fundamental to travel today. With the future of our planet, climate and communities front of mind, sustainable and responsible tourism is no longer merely the mission of intrepid adventurers and eco-warriors.
As the popularity of polar expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica regions grows, striking a balance between tourism and nature, in such delicate, pristine and remote parts of the world, is paramount.
Quark Expeditions’ Polar Promise reflects its profound and longstanding commitment to environmentally responsible tourism in the polar wilderness. Polar Promise is a comprehensive sustainability strategy framework developed by Quark Expeditions that incorporates existing sustainability initiatives and identifies areas in which more can be done.
“Quark Expeditions recognises its responsibility to do more to protect these magnificent places,” says Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions. “We want to go beyond reducing our footprint. We want to work with other leaders in the industry and with our guests to address the complex and challenging issues facing the polar regions.”
High Arctic Odyssey/Image: Nicky Soun
Agents can access Quark Expeditions resources HERE.
In Antarctica, for example, Quark Expeditions operates under International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) guidelines that limit the number of travellers and Expedition Staff ashore during a landing. No more than 100 people can be ashore at any one time, and in some locations that number reduces to 50.
Antarctic Peninsula/Image: David Merron
The Quark Expeditions Polar Promise framework is made up of four pillars:
PRINCIPLES
Embedding Responsible Business Practices
As a polar-focused tourism operator, Quark Expeditions’ sustainability principles are integral to every decision they make. The company aims to be the leader in responsible polar tourism and the ‘go-to’ operator for conscious travellers. As a preferred partner of the world’s most responsible brands, Quark Expeditions constantly works to reduce impact, catalyse change in the industry and help improve its suppliers’ operations.
Long time members of key industry organisations including the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), Quark Expeditions adheres to stringent guidelines designed to ensure the Polar Regions are protected for future generations.
Image: Samantha Crimmin
PLANET
Reducing Footprint and Building Resilience
Quark Expeditions aims to reduce its carbon emissions per passenger by 10%, through fleet improvements and other changes that reduce impact. Quark works with its supply chain to measure, report and reduce emissions, and the company’s office and field operations aim to reuse or recycle 100% of waste on Quark Expeditions-owned vessels.
In terms of waste, Quark Expeditions has taken steps to reduce the amount of waste it sends to landfills, including avoiding single-use plastics and partnering in the SeaGreen recycling initiative in Ushuaia, working towards a zero-waste plan on Quark Expeditions-owned vessels.
PARTNERSHIPS
Conservation and Impact in Polar Environments
Quark Expeditions aims to be the leading expedition investor in outreach projects within the polar regions, working with a wide circumpolar network of scientists, community leaders, and sustainable innovators. Quark’s goal is to contribute a minimum of USD$500,000 each year through in-kind donations, Quark Expeditions funding, and funds from passenger auctions in support of key polar environmental research, community engagement and sustainable development projects.
Onboard auctions have contributed an average of $200,000 each year to organisations dedicated to polar environmental research, community engagement, and sustainable development projects, including the South Georgia Heritage Trust, Penguin Watch, Seabird Watch, and Polar Bears International.
Nalunaiqsijiit, the Inuit Cruise Training Initiative, is a program dedicated to providing Nunavummiut with the qualifications and certifications required to work onboard expedition cruise ships, through in situ training and experience onboard ships. Quark Expeditions hosted two Nalunaiqsijiit interns onboard Ocean Adventurer during the 2019 Arctic season, and has invited an additional four during the 2019/20 Antarctic Season.
POSITIVE IMPACT
Building the Polar Legacy of Quark Expedition guests
Quark Expeditions aspires to facilitate a meaningful connection between people and places, between wilderness and humankind, inspiring and empowering guests and partners to make positive change, the collective impact of which can be greater than the company’s operational impact. Quark Expeditions facilitates and captures the positive impact of its guests as part of the Polar Ambassador Program.
TOP IMAGE: Quark Expeditions – Lindenow Fjord East Greenland/Image: Acacia Johnson
