Short notice before visiting the Antarctic – please report your journey ahead of time

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Beautiful glaciers, adorable penguins and an endless world of ice in the Antarctic never cease to attract eyes around the globe. Actually, more and more people are taking romantic and exciting tours to the region in recent years.

In particular, the number of Chinese tourists have increased rapidly. In 2016-2017, 5,289 Chinese people visited the Antarctic, ranking the second in the world with the United States taking the top spot at about 15,000.

The Antarctic /VCG Photo

To prevent possible pollution and damage to the environment and related historical monuments from the burgeoning tourism, China’s State Oceanic Administration formulated and issued Regulations on Environmental Protection in Antarctic Activities today.

State Oceanic Administration, P.R.China /CGTN Photo

According to agency spokesperson Zhang Liqun, so far there have been no reports of Chinese citizens doing anything damaging or illegal in the Antarctic. The regulations are only part of the precautionary measures to protect the environment.

The regulations make it clear that the State Oceanic Administration is responsible for the environmental management of all Antarctic activities such as expeditions, tourism, exploration, fisheries and transportation.

Permissions are needed for inspection activities that may have special impact on the region's ecology. In other words, anyone who requests to conduct activities in the Antarctic shall report to the State Oceanic Administration.

China’s Antarctic Research Station /CGTN Photo

Specifically, individuals or groups that need to visit China’s Antarctic Research Station should ask for permission from the agency ahead of time. Organizers of Antarctic events should notify the research stations in advance from 24 to 72 hours before arriving there.

State media photo

At the same time, apart from approved scientific research or expeditions, no one is allowed to hunt animals or bring any toxic or harmful substances, not even to collect meteorites and fossils. Violators, however, will be included on a list for misconduct, thus being restricted from re-organizing events to the Antarctic within one to three years.

So, next time, if you're going to pay a visit to the penguins, make sure that your travel application has arrived at the desk of the State Oceanic Administration ahead of your departure.

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