Friday, June 21, 2024 During the association’s annual meeting held in Annapolis, MD, USA from April 24 to 27, several key actions were approved. Among them are the implementation of 17 new IAATO Visitor Site Guidelines and the introduction of seven short-term initiatives aligned with IAATO’s five-year strategic plan, “Embracing our Role as Antarctic Stewards.” Lisa Kelley, IAATO ‘s Deputy Executive Director and Director of Operations and Government Affairs, said : “It’s an immense privilege to travel to Antarctica and one that comes with a responsibility to do so with no more than a minor or transitory impact.
In recognition of this, each year our members come together to discuss and enhance our protocols to strengthen our already robust standards. “These new measures are part of IAATO’s continued mission to advocate and promote the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private sector travel to Antarctica.” The IAATO has introduced new guidelines for marine and terrestrial sites, offering practical advice for operators and guides to manage visits while respecting environmental values and sensitivities.
In the previous year, the organization revealed a five-year strategic plan with four key pillars: operators as environmental stewards, intentional research support, strategic resource management, and unwavering commitment to sustainability. During this year’s IAATO annual meeting, members approved several actions for 2024-25. These include devel.
