Antarctica is the coldest place on earth, making it an extreme environment.
Antarctica is a continent located at the earth's South pole. 98% of its surface is covered in ice.
46000 tourists visited in the 2007/8 season. Tourists are attracted by the scenery and the wildlife.
Problems caused by tourists include trampling of plants, disturbing wildlife, litter, accidental introduction of invasive or non-native species and fuel spills from ships.
The Antarctic Treaty (introduced 1961) protects plant and animal life on Antarctica. New regulations introduced in 2009 mean that only fewer than 500 passengers are allowed to land at Antarctica at one time and only a maximum of 100 are allowed on shore at one time.
The IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) have a code of conduct:
Specially Protected Areas (SPAs) for protection of natural habitats, Wildlife must be observed and not disturbed, no litter should be left by tourists, a ban on smoking, qualified guides with tourists at all times, tourists mustn't walk on delicate plant life and sewage must be treated biologically and all other waste must be kept on ships.
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