Commitments
The "In The Wake Of The Belgica" expedition, endeavours to comply with the rules and regulations of the 1994 Environmental Protection Act.
It is our wish and desire to undertake this venture in order to contribute to the celebration of Belgium's involvement in Antarctic matters on the whole.
With our extensive experience in the organization of Polar enterprise, we understand the fragile character of man's presence in Antarctica and dare to say that we have become ambassadors for zero tolerance on the ecological level when it comes down to the impact that sailing trips may have.
We have extensively discussed the content of
- Annex 2 (Conservation of the Antarctic Flora and Fauna),
- Annex 3 (Waste Disposal and Waste Management) and
- Annex 4 (Prevention of Marine Pollution)
and will do our utmost to execute this sailing trip in ecological manner.
All consumer products will be screened before being put on board of the sailing vessel. This selective process will be executed on the basis of responsible and ecological production, ethically correct employment and fair trade principles.
The sailing crew of 6 will be briefed on all aspects of environmental impact and we will have a watchful eye on any impact that our minor and transitory passage may bring about.
None of the 20 landings we will try to duplicate from the Belgica's expedition, fall under the list of protection sites listed by SSSI's, ASPA's, or ASMA's.
We will further study the admissibility of the mountain peaks that we may want to climb, but can ensure hereby that any forbidden areas will be respected.
Environmental Awareness Programme
It is the expedition's goal to focus on the effects of human impact in Antarctica. As independent and objective observers, not biased by any governmental, private or corporate-related pressure-groups, the crew will keep a record of their observations. This report will then be handed over to any party showing interest in the matter, thus guarding its impartiality.
Main points of focus will include:
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The effects of tourism around the port of Ushuaia.
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Observations in the Drake passage, popular gateway to Antarctica.
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Visits to scientific bases: exchange of ideas regarding nature preservation and ecological approach.
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Commemorative re-enactment of the 20 landings carried out by the ‘Belgica': comprehensive study with an accurate visual and textual comparison to determine what changes have taken place over a period of 110 years in the de Gerlache Strait.
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Determine the source of human objects left behind and describe the signs of human presence.
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Testify about the zero-impact approach of the "In the wake of the Belgica" expedition.
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Exchange ideas and observe the ecological approach of similar small sail craft expeditions.
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Study the effects of cruise-related tourism, being the major influx of humans around the Antarctic Peninsula.
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Testify of the potential of a positive impact of sponsorship, where the sponsors/ corporate entrepreneurs commit to factually diminish their ecological footprint.