Environmental Sustainability

ANI’s mission is to set the highest possible environmental standards and to use best practices. We believe in responsible and sustainable tourism where our guests leave Antarctica with a greater appreciation of its remarkable natural values. We encourage a culture of environmental stewardship through training and our activities are planned to have the minimum effect on the environment.

Leading by Example

We care about the Antarctic environment. We take practical steps to preserve and protect it. And we are proud of our environmental achievements. As the first private travel company in the interior of Antarctica, we set the highest standards for ourselves and the industry.

• We aim to exceed environmental guidelines set out in the Antarctic Treaty System
• We were the first private company in Antarctica to complete an environmental impact assessment
• We are a founding Member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), a member organization that promotes sustainable Antarctic tourism
• Our Antarctic operations are authorized by the US Government and are carried out to meet the requirements of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

Treading Softly in Antarctica

Reducing our Footprint

• We encourage a culture of environmental stewardship through training and support to our staff and guests
• Our camp is solar powered and sleeping tents are passively heated by the 24-hour sunlight
• Grey (waste) water is minimized through the use of sanitizing hand gel and sponge bathing instead of showers at Union Glacier Camp
• Spill mats prevent accidental snow contamination when fuelling vehicles and aircraft

Waste Removal

• All garbage is removed from Antarctica. Nothing is burned. Nothing is buried
• Empty fuel drums are recovered and removed from Antarctica
• All human waste - urine and feces - is removed from Union Glacier Camp for appropriate disposal in Chile
• Where practicable solid waste is removed from field camps, including at Mount Vinson and within one degree of the South Pole
• Grey water is strained before disposal in designated sites
• We re-cycle aluminum cans and continue to explore re-cycling opportunities in Punta Arenas, Chile

Wildlife Protection

• Equipment is cleaned prior to departure for Antarctica to prevent the accidental introduction of disease or alien species
• All poultry products are certified by the Chilean agricultural service to be free of Newcastle's Disease
• We follow established aircraft and wildlife viewing procedures to minimize our impact when visiting Emperor penguin colonies

Mount Vinson

• We work closely with guides and climbers to keep Mount Vinson pristine
• ANI Vinson Rangers manage base camp and oversee activities on the mountain
• All garbage, leftover food and fuel are removed from the mountain
• Toilet facilities are provided at Vinson Base Camp. Solid human waste is flown to Union Glacier Camp for removal from Antarctica
• Climbers bag and pack out solid human waste from the mountain and use designated urine/grey water sites at intermediate camps
• All climbers are required to follow our Vinson Waste Guidelines. More about Vinson Waste Guidelines

What You Can Do

• Guidance for Visitors to the Antarctic provides practical guidelines to help you care for Antarctica. All of our guests receive a copy of these guidelines. Please read and follow them
• Clean all of your clothing and equipment thoroughly before leaving home
• Further detail is provided at our logistics and environmental briefing in Punta Arenas, Chile prior to departure. Please arrive in Punta Arenas in good time to attend this briefing
• Your guide will demonstrate environmental procedures and provide ongoing support while you are in Antarctica. Follow these instructions
• Be an ambassador for Antarctica when you return home