The world's last great wilderness, the last unexplored continent, is under threat from tourism.

Australia like a handful of other countries, maintains a presence in Antarctica. Now Australian officials are suggesting to the government there that it reduce the number of scientific research stations it operates and turn the redundant places over to tourism.

Ice fields give clues to global warming

Layers of unmelted snow have sat untouched for a million years and Antarctica's glaciers are a haven to wildlife. But it is the attraction of setting foot where no human has set foot before, of having the chance of being in the world's last wilderness, which makes it marketable.

For scientists from the British Antarctic Survey now preparing to leave for Antarctica on a research mission, it is all highly troubling. They will be studying ice shelves as part of a programme investigating climate change.

Scientist carry out research into climate change

Dr David Walton of the BAS said they were concerned about the threatened closure of research bases, but much more worried about what would happen if the tourist industry took off.

"They also suggest that they would build an airstrip. Well the airstrip is primarily for scientific support but I think they would be under considerable pressure to allow tourist planes to use it," he said.

In its report, Australia's Antarctic programme recommends retaining at least one of its existing research stations, but it adds that advances in technology may mean that requirement for three stations diminishes.

Pressure on airstrips

An increase in tourism could, they say, heighten the awareness of Australian activities in the region. But Antarctica is claimed territory. Nobody owns it while seven countries believe they have rights on it.

So even if you ignore the arguments about science and the environment, does Australia have the right to invite more tourists?

There is no doubt that it would be attractive to a certain type of tourist. It is the hostility and the inaccessibility of the region that seems to encourage people to go there.

Landscape free of footprints

Sue Ockwell, of the Association of Independent Tour Operatures, says she is sure people will want to go on holiday to Antarctica.

"We all like the idea of following in the footsteps of the great explorers. There are actually very positive things that one can put back into the environment by choosing a small specialist tour operator who is responsible and who cares about the places he is sending his clients."

There may be sound financial arguments for shutting down Australian research bases. Just running them and travelling between them accounts for two thirds of the Australian government's entire Antarctic budget.

Bleak attraction

But although tourism might bring in money, it is often the case that where a man goes with a backpack today, another arrives soon after with a plan for a hotel.

If that happens the way of life for a continent, its creatures and its character could be set to change for ever.

Pictures courtesy of the British Antarctic Survey
 

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