Impact on vulnerable nature and wildlife

As a tour operator, we at Svalbard Adventures have a special responsibility. We must ensure our environmental footprint is as small as possible and that we operate within the guidelines for tourism in Svalbard.

By setting high standards for ourselves, we ensure that our contribution is greater than what is expected of us. This work is continuous and has no end date. We are committed to working systematically to contribute to Longyearbyen and Svalbard being as sustainable as possible.

We have a lot to consider in the Arctic

The most important tasks for Svalbard Adventures are training and sharing knowledge. Consequently, as part of this, we have established the Svalbard Adventures Academy for all our employees. We must be familiar with the rules for travelling in nature, take care of the safety of our guests and always respect what provides the basis for our presence up here – the nature.

We have a lot to consider in the Arctic, where birds and marine animals migrate to feed in the summer. We have a responsibility to take care of all wildlife and all habitats that exist. This also involves respecting natural and cultural monuments and reminding our guests of rules such as the ban on picking flowers and taking remnants of cultural monuments.

When it comes to fauna, we must respect the distance we keep to the animals that live up here – in the sea and on land. This concerns the safety of the guests and animal welfare. Seeing a polar bear or a walrus in the outdoors is a privilege, not a right. Consequently, our tours are above all based around the magnificent nature we have up here and everything else is a bonus. If we encounter wild animals, we enjoy the sight of them from a distance.

By accepting tourism, you also accept a certain environmental footprint. Our goal is to reach the minimum common multiple. By taking the tourists out into the Svalbard wilderness, we also have a responsibility to provide information and share knowledge. We will teach those who go on our tours about the nature and wildlife in Svalbard and not least about the human impact on the climate up here. Paradoxically, we are also trying to contribute to a greener society up north. When we transport our guests into nature, our goal is that the participants will experience the wonderful wilderness and leave with knowledge of the High North.

Do you wish to contribute?

There are some basic measures you as a guest can follow. As a guest, you have a responsibility to follow the laws and regulations that apply in Svalbard. The Svalbard Tourism Board, in collaboration with the Governor of Svalbard, has developed the Svalbard Guidelines. These guidelines will help you make safe choices, preserve the nature and contribute to preventing accidents. Following these guidelines will be of great value both to you as a tourist and for the local community in general.

Our work to limit the impact on vulnerable nature and wildlife: