The UIAA recently supported an initiative led by Ibex Expeditions focused on raising awareness about the protection of Antarctica under the Antarctic Treaty System, which currently prohibits mining and commercial exploitation of the continent. With the treaty due for review in 2048, the campaign highlights the urgency for governments, civil society, travellers, and global organisations to push for the continuation of its protective framework.
The expedition, initially conceived in 2026, was spearheaded by Mandip Singh Soin, a full member of the UIAA Mountain Protection Commission, and Anita Soin.
The UIAA provided non-financial, institutional support – recognising that the project met a number of the messages and guidelines provided in two of its recent papers – the UIAA Declaration on Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering and the UIAA Sustainability Charter. This included the following themes – Reducing impact to the natural environment; addressing climate change through actions; promoting positive social change as well as the expedition organisers meeting best practice examples in the industry and IAATO regulations regarding the carbon footprint of the trip and the choices of travel.
As the Ibex Expeditions press release reviewing the trip detailed:
Antarctica plays a crucial role as a regulator of Earth’s climate. Disturbances in this fragile ecosystem could lead to far-reaching consequences such as rising sea levels and unstable weather patterns affecting countries worldwide. Antarctica isn’t just a land of ice; it’s a continent shaped by courage and ambition. From Shackleton’s legendary fight for survival to the race between Scott and Amundsen to reach the Pole, these frozen landscapes are rich with tales of endurance. With the Antarctic Treaty coming up for review in 2048, the year that marks review of long-term environmental measures to preserve the continent, today is the time to actively contribute towards environmental protection and conservation efforts.
The full list of organisations that supported this initiative are:
- Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)
- Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
- PATA India Chapter
- World Travel & Trade Association (WTTC II)
- SKAL International
- SKAL International India/SKAL Delhi
- International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA)
- Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI)
- Inlaks Foundation
- Stephens College
- Ibex Expeditions
- Make my Trip
- (CEEW) Council on Energy, Environment and Water
- Nanhi Chhaan Foundation
The backing of various organisations reflects a shared commitment to responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, and informed advocacy. The collaboration also emphasizes how responsible travel can serve as a powerful tool for spreading conservation awareness and encouraging global responsibility.
As part of this responsible tourism effort, this journey organized by Ibex Expeditions, India required all participants to take a Polar Pledge, committing them to actively support Antarctica’s protection and promote awareness within their own communities.
