To celebrate Earth Day on 22 April, Hurtigruten Expeditions, the leader in sustainable cruising, is highlighting how tourism operators and travellers can create a positive impact each and every day.
Damian Perry, Managing Director of Hurtigruten Asia Pacific, says the environment is central to all of Hurtigruten Expeditions’ operations, including caring for wildlife.
“We are privileged to be able to visit some of the most wonderful and diverse wildlife this planet has to offer,” Mr Perry said.
“We want to ensure our guests can continue to experience these magical visits and study flora and fauna in their natural environment. As a result, we treat the destinations we visit with nothing but the utmost respect and leave them as we found them.”
Caring for Wildlife
Respecting and protecting wildlife
Exploring some of the most spectacular wilderness regions on the planet – and observing the unique wildlife found there – is an important part of every Hurtigruten Expeditions voyage. This comes with an obligation for all guests and staff to explore in a low-impact manner. On all voyages, observing wild animals and birdlife is done at a distance so their natural behaviour is not altered, while Hurtigruten is committed to showing the utmost respect for their welfare and habitats. Throughout every voyage – and prior to each landing – all guests are briefed and educated about local wildlife guidelines.
Hurtigruten Expeditions’ team membe
rs are hand-picked, trained and certified annually, ensuring that all preparations, landings and encounters with nature and wildlife happen in accordance with the company’s strict policies and guidelines, which all surpass industry standards.
Better together
Hurtigruten Expeditions advocates that all guests need to understand and constantly improve knowledge of the wildlife that they encounter and the fragile regions in which they live. Because of this, Hurtigruten Expeditions is a member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators – AECO – an organisation working for responsible, environmentally friendly and safe tourism in the Arctic. Hurtigruten Expeditions is also a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators – IAATO – which advocates for and promotes safe and environmentally responsible travel to the Antarctic. One focus of these organisations is to promote public awareness and concern for the conservation of the wider environment as well as local ecosystems.
What can YOU do? Hurtigruten’s top three tips
- If you have a balcony or a garden, plant native species of flowers, trees and bushes. This gives insects, birds and wild animals food, shelter and a place to thrive.
- Stand up for wildlife – your voice matters.
- Be an educated consumer; choose products that don’t harm wild animals or their habitats.
Hurtigruten Expeditions has a history of over 127 years and in more recent decades, Captains and crew, expedition teams and returning guests have witnessed the impact of climate change on vulnerable polar areas. Because of this, sustainability is now at the heart of Hurtigruten’s identity and operations.
For further information visit www.hurtigruten.com.au
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