Environmental Assessment and Management Challenges of the Fildes Peninsula Region

Abstract

Since the inception of the Antarctic Treaty, numerous regulations for environmental protection were adopted by the Treaty parties to minimise negative environmental impacts of human activity. Nevertheless, the concentration of a variety of human activities in some Antarctic regions leads to a conflict of interest. The Fildes Peninsula on King George Island, in the Antarctic Peninsula, represents a unique example of increasing human pressure due to multiple human uses. Scientific research, station operations, transport logistics, tourism, nature conservation and protection of geological and historical values regularly overlap in space and time. A standardised assessment of fauna, flora and impact of human activities on the terrestrial ecosystem was conducted between 2003-2006 and 2008-2011 to provide a comprehensive dataset that documents the environmental state of the Fildes Peninsula. Management measures are suggested to mitigate these impacts, such as the designation of an Antarctic Specially Managed Area. The political debate amongst the Treaty parties about regulatory measures is on-going, but we strongly recommend immediate action.