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What and who is an Antarctic ambassador?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 May 2020

Karen A. Alexander Open the ORCID record for Karen A. Alexander [Opens in a new window] ,
Daniela Liggett ,
Elizabeth Leane ,
Hanne E. F. Nielsen Open the ORCID record for Hanne E. F. Nielsen [Opens in a new window] ,
Jennifer L. Bailey ,
Madeline J. Brasier  and
Marcus Haward
Karen A. Alexander*
Affiliation:
Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
Daniela Liggett
Affiliation:
Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Elizabeth Leane
Affiliation:
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia School of Humanities, University of Tasmania, College of Arts, Law and Education, Private Bag 41, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
Hanne E. F. Nielsen
Affiliation:
School of Humanities, University of Tasmania, College of Arts, Law and Education, Private Bag 41, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
Jennifer L. Bailey
Affiliation:
Department of Sociology and Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
Madeline J. Brasier
Affiliation:
Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre, 20 Castray Esplanade, Hobart, Australia
Marcus Haward
Affiliation:
Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
*
Author for correspondence: Karen A. Alexander, Email: karen.alexander@utas.edu.au
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Abstract

The term “Antarctic ambassadorship” is increasingly used to represent an individual’s connection to Antarctica and their subsequent advocacy. However, there is little clarity regarding the concept. To address this, we combined a literature review with an expert elicitation workshop. We argue that (i) the concept of Antarctic ambassador has been understood in myriad ways; (ii) Antarctic ambassadors have a connection to, knowledge of and passion for Antarctica; (iii) they also have a commitment to defending and advancing Antarctic values and (iv) Antarctic ambassadorship is about more than advocacy. We propose the first comprehensive definition of Antarctic ambassadorship. We hope this will provide a cornerstone upon which future research, and a more informed governance of Antarctic tourism, can be built.

Keywords

Antarctic ambassadorStewardshipTourismAntarcticaAmbassadorship

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Polar Record , Volume 55 , Issue 6 , November 2019 , pp. 497 - 506
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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