Quark 2025 SustainabilityReport web

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2024 OUR COMMITMENT TO CONSERVATION & COMMUNITY

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Quark Expeditions acknowledges and affirms the Articles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and recognizes Indigenous peoples’ inherent rights and historical territories. We have prepared this report in the Toronto (Canada) region, the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. We acknowledge that this land is covered by Treaty 13, signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties, signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands. The areas we visit - the Arctic, subarctic, and coastal regions of southern South America - are the traditional homelands of many Indigenous Peoples. These include the Inuit within Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit of Kalaallit Nunaat, and the Yagán and the Selk’nam of current-day Patagonia. These places have complex colonial histories, about which we have much to learn. We offer our gratitude and respect to Indigenous Peoples for their enduring wisdom and stewardship of these lands and waters. We honor the ancestors who cared for these territories as well as the present-day guardians who continue to safeguard the ecosystems, historical sites, and sacred places that we have the honor of visiting. Reconciliation is an ongoing process for us all. We are committed to partnering with and learning from Indigenous communities to ensure our presence is respectful and contributes positively to their lands and cultures. Connection to land, histories, languages, and cultures is essential to identity. We honor this connection as we work to build a sustainable, equitable, and collaborative future.

Photo: Sam Crimmin

Photo: Michelle Sole

CONTENTS

Land Acknowledgement

Introduction

Investing in Sustainability Resources

A New Focus: Updating our Framework

2024 By The Numbers

Conservation

Supporting Science in the Field

Weather Station on Ultramarine

Supporting Ocean Health with Blue Marine Foundation Our Guests’ Impact: Onboard Auction Funds for Science

Accounting for Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Supporting Industry Committees

Waste Reduction

Communities: Enriching Lives

Co-Created Community-Based Experiences

Engaging Community Visits

Building Strong Relationships Through Industry Associations

Our Guests’ Impact: Auction Support for Communities & Education 46

Our Commitment to Conservation and Community

Photo: Michelle Sole

4 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

INTRODUCTION

When standing on the deck watching ice calve from a glacier or sharing stories with an Inuit elder in a remote Arctic community, one’s sense of responsibility becomes deeply personal. These aren’t abstract environmental concepts—they are living ecosystems and vibrant cultures. What our guests experience in these environments reminds us why we must hold ourselves to the highest standards. Sustainability in our industry creates inherent tensions we can’t ignore. We operate ships that burn fossil fuels to reach places where climate change is most visible. We bring visitors to remote communities that value tourism income but also need to preserve their cultural integrity. We support research on species and ecosystems that our presence inevitably impacts. Authentic conservation means acknowledging these contradictions rather than pretending they don’t exist. Genuine community partnership means listening to priorities that may not always align with our own—and working together to find creative ways forward. The work is complex because the environment is complex. The challenges defy simple solutions, but that doesn’t excuse us from doing the work. Moving forward, we’re anchoring our sustainability work in two principles: community and conservation. We’re committed to supporting research that advances understanding of polar ecosystems and working with Arctic communities on initiatives they identify as priorities. These relationships take time to build and require ongoing investment in trust and mutual respect. The polar regions have shaped our company since 1991, and our responsibility to these places and their people will continue to guide our decisions as we explore and celebrate these remarkable places.

SAM SEWARD President, Quark Expeditions

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“Having been with Quark Expeditions since 2019, I’ve seen how genuinely our team cares about the polar regions and the people who live there. I’m excited to build on this passion by providing the structure, tools, and support needed to integrate sustainability throughout our organization. This isn’t just about compliance or trends, it’s about showing that transformative travel experiences can nurture genuine respect for the extraordinary landscapes, wildlife, and people of the polar regions.”

Lyndsey Lewis – Head of Sustainability

Photo: Acacia Johnson

6 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

INVESTING IN SUSTAINABILITY RESOURCES In 2024, Quark Expeditions made a significant commitment to embedding sustainability across every aspect of our organization by introducing the Head of Sustainability. This key position underscores our dedication to integrating sustainable practices, from product development to operational delivery and everything in between. The Head of Sustainability leads initiatives that ensure our operations minimize environmental impact, promote economic benefits in the regions we visit, and uphold the highest standards of ethical sourcing and waste management. This investment aligns with broader efforts within our parent company, Travelopia, where similar roles have been introduced to support sustainability. Across our sister brands, there is investment in a unified push towards sustainable practices, reflecting various stages of their sustainability journeys. This collective approach allows for shared learning, resource pooling, and the development of best practices that benefit all Travelopia brands. By appointing a dedicated leader, Quark Expeditions ensures our sustainability efforts are not just aspirational but systematically integrated into our operations. This role is key to advancing our goals—conserving fragile polar ecosystems, fostering responsible tourism and reducing carbon emissions. It’s a bold step forward in our mission to lead the expedition travel industry toward a more sustainable future.

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A NEW FOCUS: UPDATING OUR FRAMEWORK

RENEWING OUR COMMITMENT TO CONSERVATION & COMMUNITY

As 2024 came to a close, our team paused to reflect on our sustainability journey—an evolving path shaped by learning, growth and accountability. From that reflection, a shared vision emerged: going forward, we will focus our efforts on two guiding principles—Conservation and Community. Our dual mandate will be to connect our guests to the natural world through hands-on experiences and education and to deliver authentic experiences for our guests that benefit local partners and the communities we visit. Over the next three years, Quark Expeditions and our guests will invest over $2.5M USD through conservation and community partnerships and projects.

Photo: Acacia Johnson

8 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

CONSERVATION

Delivering Knowledge Through Polar Experts Our ornithologists, historians and other polar experts guide guests through hands-on learning about polar ecosystems and the threats they face. Advancing Polar Science Each year, we bring renowned researchers and scientists to remote polar regions to study wildlife and ecosystems— and share their work with guests in real time. Driving Impact Through Conservation Funding Thanks to guest support and onboard auctions, Quark Expeditions backs vital polar conservation efforts like Blue Marine Foundation and Penguin Watch. Setting Standards for Sustainable Polar Tourism We help shape polar travel by serving on committees for the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

COMMUNITY

Co-creating with Community Partners By partnering with local groups, we create authentic experiences—such as Tundra to Table, developed with Igapall, which enables Inuit chefs to share Greenlandic cuisine and culture. Empowering Local Development We champion Arctic communities’ goals for economic development and sustainable tourism through local hiring, infrastructure support, and advance visit planning. Investing Directly in Communities With guest support, we help fund community-led projects— from food banks to cultural and language-based programs.

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2024 BY THE NUMBERS

Contributions by Quark Expeditions guests to conservation and community projects via onboard auctions $248,280 Value of berths donated to support polar scientific research $439,890 Plastic bottles eliminated by providing re-usable water bottles & refilling stations on all vessels 367,164

Organizations funded through the Auction 10 Cruise nights for guest polar scientists 188

Tundra to Table Meals served 521

Hours volunteered by Quark Expeditions employees 28

Photo: Michelle Sole

10 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

Percentage of Quark’s management comprised of people who identify as female.

88% Percentage of Quark Expedition workforce who completed the engagement survey

48% Female Workforce

42% Female Managers

43% Female Executives

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Photo: Michelle Sole

12 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

CONSERVATION: INSPIRING RESPECT FOR THE NATURAL WORLD A Quark Expeditions voyage is more than a polar travel experience— it’s an immersive journey that deepens understanding of Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems, wildlife, and pressing conservation issues. Each itinerary is designed to engage guests in the unique environments of the Polar Regions. Our ships are floating classrooms, staffed with experts in ornithology, biology, geology, glaciology, history, photography, and other polar subjects. These experts deliver engaging presentations that help guests the changing conditions of the polar environments and their impact on wildlife and habitats. Throughout an expedition, guides help guests identify and interpret the behaviors of species unique to the regions. Whether watching walruses on ice floes, Zodiac cruising past colonies of penguins, or observing whales from the ship’s deck, guests gain a profound appreciation for polar biodiversity. Some voyages feature guest scientists, such as those from Penguin Watch, who conduct real-time research onboard. These experts present their work through talks, videos, and photos—and often engage with guests informally, from informal chats on deck to conversations over meals. These immersive experiences create lasting connections and a deeper understanding of the critical role the Polar Regions play in our global ecosystem.

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SUPPORTING SCIENCE IN THE FIELD

A total of 18 berths, spanning 158 voyage nights and valued at nearly $440,000, were donated to scientists to access the polar regions to further their critical work on research and data collection.

14 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

EMPEROR PENGUIN RESEARCH: SNOW HILL ISLAND COLONY

During the Antarctic 2023/2024 season, Quark Expeditions welcomed a team of researchers aboard Ultramarine to study Emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island. Thanks to Ultramarine ’s two helicopters, the team accessed this remote colony for two focused field days—one of the first comprehensive surveys during the breeding season. The researchers deployed 15 GPS tracking tags on adult penguins, collected 40 guano samples for dietary DNA analysis, and captured aerial imagery using drones to support satellite monitoring techniques. Snow Hill, the most northerly Emperor penguin breeding site, offers insight into how colonies may be affected by warmer Antarctic temperatures.

Guests onboard Ultramarine benefited from educational opportunities to learn about Emperor penguin ecology, research methods and climate impacts through presentations and informal discussions. This type of collaboration showcases how travelers are transformed into informed advocates for polar conservation. To help identify emperor penguins from the aerial imagery, visit the Polar Observatory.

Photo: © Neil Ever Osborne (NeilEverOsborne.com)

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Photo: Ignacio Juarez Martinez

PENGUIN CONSERVATION: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA & SOUTH GEORGIA

During the Antarctic 2023/2024 season, Quark Expeditions welcomed Penguin Watch researchers from Oxford Brookes University onboard World Explorer to monitor penguin colonies across the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia. The team used drones to count populations, collected fecal samples to study disease and diet, and used time- lapse cameras to track behavior. Their research focused on understanding how penguins are adapting to a changing climate, with evidence showing shifts in breeding patterns linked to increased ice-free areas and warming temperatures. Fishing activity remains a concern, especially as recovering whale populations require expanded feeding grounds.

A key focus this season was monitoring for High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Early findings indicate limited spread, though continued surveillance is critical. The team also used drones to estimate elephant and fur seal mortality around South Georgia.

Visit PenguinWatch.org

16 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

Photo: Acacia Johnson

SEABIRD POPULATION & HEALTH: ARCTIC SEABIRD MONITORING During the Arctic 2024 season, Seabird Watch researchers from Oxford Brookes University and University College Cork monitored remote seabird colonies in Svalbard. Using drone surveys and a network of time-lapse cameras, the team tracked behavioral changes, High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), and recovery in affected populations. The project fills key knowledge gaps in Arctic marine ecosystems and enables more effective management of hard-to-access regions. Researchers also studied the impact of invasive species, including cats and rats, on breeding colonies while testing low-cost intervention solutions. Data collected by Seabird Watch directly contributes to undergraduate education, with student projects using real-time research to test hypotheses about seabird population health. This approach gives students hands-on experience in conservation research while advancing the scientific understanding of Arctic marine ecosystems. Education and outreach are key pillars of Seabird Watch’s work, and Arctic expeditions offer unique opportunities to engage travelers and share important research.

Visit SeabirdWatch.org

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Photo: Michelle Sole

18 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

WEATHER STATION ON ULTRAMARINE: FILLING METEOROLOGICAL DATA GAPS FROM THE POLAR REGIONS Weather forecasting depends on complex computer models that solve fluid flow equations for the atmosphere. These models must be constantly calibrated with ground-based data to stay accurate. While coverage is strong in mid-latitudes, it’s sparse in the Arctic and Antarctic—where Quark Expeditions operates. Our technologically-advanced Ultramarine is one of only five expedition vessels in the world with European Common Automatic Weather Station (EUCAWS) technology. This automated system records position, course, speed, atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, as well as wind speed and direction hourly. Such data is critical in the Polar Regions, with few weather stations and limited ship traffic. Guests can also contribute manual observations on wave heights, sea ice and atmospheric conditions. This data can be part of informal “weather club” discussions in the Panorama Lounge after dinner, connecting guests with the science around them. All data is open source and shared with the German Weather Service and World Meteorological Organization. Forecast centers worldwide download and use it to improve models, including apps like Windy.

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SUPPORTING OCEAN HEALTH WITH BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION In 2024, Quark Expeditions joined parent company Travelopia in supporting Blue Marine Foundation, a UK conservation charity restoring ocean health. Alongside sister brands, we committed to conserving and restoring 7,000 hectares of marine ecosystems through seven global projects over three years. Marine ecosystems are the lifeblood of our planet—not just for biodiversity, but for regulating the climate. ‘Blue carbon’ ecosystems like mangroves, saltmarshes and seagrass meadows absorb and store vast amounts of carbon, while buffering coastlines against storm surges, sea-level rise and erosion. By safeguarding these ecosystems, we help protect some of the planet’s most effective carbon sinks and support the climate and ecological processes essential to the health of polar oceans. Ocean health knows no boundaries. The Arctic and Antarctic oceans aren’t isolated—they’re part of a connected system, linked by currents, carbon cycles, and migrating marine species. Protecting polar ecosystems helps safeguard powerful carbon sinks and the global processes critical to climate and ocean health.

20 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

MEET THE BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION Blue Marine Foundation is dedicated to restoring ocean health by protecting and regenerating marine life. Its mission is to secure effective protection for at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, with the remaining 70% responsibly managed. The ocean is the world’s largest carbon sink. By combating overfishing, establishing Marine Protected Areas, restoring depleted habitats, and engaging local communities in conservation, Blue Marine helps ensure the ocean can continue its vital role in stabilizing Earth’s climate. To date, it has helped protect over four million square kilometers of ocean. Visit BlueMarineFoundation.com

Photo: Sam Edmonds

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OUR GUESTS’ IMPACT: ONBOARD AUCTION FUNDS FOR SCIENCE When Quark Expeditions guests bid on items, like a voyage flag or nautical chart, during their voyage auctions, they directly fund organizations working on the frontlines of polar research, conservation, community development, and education. These funds support critical research that advances our understanding of polar ecosystems, strengthen communities that call these regions home, and create educational opportunities that connect people worldwide to the Arctic and Antarctic.

50 Auctions $248,000

18% Community Engagement 4% Education 30% Conservation

48% Research

22 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

Photo: Acacia Johnson

PENGUIN WATCH Our guests have played a crucial role in penguin conservation by making generous donations during our onboard auctions. These funds support field operations, covering costs for over 12 researchers annually and enabling vital coordination and capacity-building. Guest contributions also support a dedicated research coordinator position, which has expanded the project beyond its core research team, and facilitated partnerships with Chilean researchers in the Beagle Channel and Falklands Conservation to increase monitoring capacity. Thanks to guest support, Penguin Watch has achieved major conservation victories. Its research informed a five-year Marine Protected Area review in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, leading to expanded protections for penguin and seal foraging areas and whale corridors. It also helped establish a terrestrial protected area in the Danger Islands. Penguin Watch’s impact extends to policy, with researchers providing evidence to the UK Parliament on Antarctic biodiversity threats. Guest donations also fund the development of AI technology for rapid, open-access seabird counts, which benefit penguin scientists around the globe.

Visit PenguinWatch.org

Photo: David Merron

UK ANTARCTIC HERITAGE TRUST The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) helps people discover, understand, value and protect Antarctica. They care for seven designated Historic Sites and Monuments on the Antarctic Peninsula, which represent early climate science and exploration through modest wooden buildings, ships and artifacts that hold extraordinary stories of human survival and discovery. UKAHT also plays an advisory role in the protection of heritage in the UK-Overseas Territory and collaborates on long-standing penguin monitoring studies and is leading conservation management for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s recently discovered Endurance shipwreck. Caring for Antarctic heritage presents significant challenges, requiring high levels of cost, expertise and resilience. Guest auction funds are essential for delivering conservation programs that protect rare and vulnerable heritage sites. Donations also help UKAHT deliver ambitious conservation programs, preserve unique heritage sites, and advance its mission to inspire people to discover and learn about Antarctica.

Visit UKAHT.org

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SOUTH GEORGIA HERITAGE TRUST The South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) has been key in protecting South Georgia’s wildlife through its rodent eradication program. With support from Quark Expeditions, the project eliminated invasive rats that had devastated native birds such as the South Georgia pipit and pintail. In 2018, the island was declared rodent-free. Guest auctions helped fund the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) biosecurity dog team, which works to prevent rats and mice from reaching South Georgia. The team comprises two handlers and three specially trained rodent detector dogs, who check cargo and vessels bound for South Georgia from the Falkland Islands. The dogs and their handlers searched approximately 60 cruise ships and yachts over the 2024-25 season. This biosecurity dog program is vital to keep South Georgia rodent-free, and allow bird populations to recover.

Visit SGHT.org

SAVING MARION ISLAND’S SEABIRDS: THE MOUSE-FREE MARION PROJECT Marion Island, a vital sub-Antarctic biodiversity haven, is an important breeding site for many seabirds that we know and love from Patagonia and the Drake Passage, like the Wandering, Grey-headed, and Light-mantled Albatrosses. However, invasive mice, introduced in the 1800s, now threaten its fragile ecosystem. Worsened by climate change, the mice have begun attacking seabirds as invertebrate food sources decline. Without action, 19 bird species could vanish from the island within 30 years. The Mouse-Free Marion Project is the largest rodent eradi- cation ever attempted, encompassing 30,000 hectares. He- licopters will distribute rodenticide bait island-wide, employ- ing the only proven method for large-scale restoration. Led by South African government agencies, BirdLife South Africa, NGOs, and the research community, this bold effort aims to restore Marion Island’s ecosystem—and serves as a model for future conservation worldwide.

Visit MouseFreeMarion.org

24 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

CENTER FOR THE CONSERVATION OF AUSTRAL ECOSYSTEMS (ICEA)

This Chilean non-profit links science with practical conservation across southern ecosystems. Its team works in marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments, advancing biodiversity protection through research, innovation and education. Our guests’ generous donations strengthened ICEA’s field capabilities by enabling the purchase of two drysuits for scientific diving in cold- water environments and three HOBO datalogger sensors. These sensors record temperature and electrical conductivity at seafloor depths, enabling the team to calculate salinity levels and detect environmental changes over time. This equipment supports their long-term ecological monitoring programs in sensitive marine areas. ICEA is a small conservation group with limited resources. Quark Expeditions’ guest auction funding went beyond equipment—it improved underwater monitoring in remote ecosystems, boosted team morale, and showed international support for grassroots conservation in ecologically vital but often overlooked areas.

Visit CentroICEA.org

SEABIRD WATCH Guest donations to Seabird Watch have directly funded Arctic fieldwork, covering deployment costs for four researchers annually and supporting critical capacity-building initiatives. Thanks to this support, Seabird Watch now monitors over 100 sites across the Arctic and Antarctic. Funding has enabled the hiring of a dedicated research coordinator—key to expanding the project beyond its core team and fostering international partnerships with countries including Iceland, Greenland, and several British Territories. Through guest support, Seabird Watch has expanded its conservation reach by training and supporting local staff in partner regions, boosting global seabird monitoring capacity. A major breakthrough is the launch of an innovation challenge—backed by Scotland’s CivTech program—to develop standardized methods for tracking burrowing seabirds such as puffins, a previously understudied group. Guest donations are helping develop of AI technology that will count seabirds in seconds, creating an open-access tool for ecologists worldwide.

Visit SeabirdWatch.org

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ACCOUNTING FOR GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS More than a reporting exercise, carbon accounting is how we understand our operational impact and improve our fleet. We’ve tracked our emissions since 2019, which continues to enable evidence-based decisions about fuel efficiency investments, route optimization, and technology upgrades. Operating in the Polar Regions presents unique challenges. Our ships use marine gas oil in locations where fuel supply chains are limited, and weather conditions affect efficiency. Switching to lower-carbon fuels remains a logistical challenge. We focus on what we can control: our fleet, the technologies they use, and how we operate them. Since our 2019 baseline, emissions intensity per passenger has decreased by 31%, exceeding our progress toward the 20% reduction target by 2025. This was driven by improvements in our fleet, reduced repositioning voyages, and increased occupancy rates.

In 2024

GHG Emissions per Passenger -31% from 2019

Absolute GHG Emissions* -21% * Driven in part by the retirement of Ocean Diamond from the Quark Expeditions fleet

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GHG EMISSIONS BY SCOPE

SCOPE 1 58%

SCOPE 3 42%

Direct Zodiac Fuel Use

Direct Helicopter Fuel Use

Direct Ship Fuel Use

Fuel & Energy (WTT)

Waste

Business Travel

Staff Commuting, Staff WFH, Freight, Goods & Services

SCOPE 2 0.01%

Holiday Flights

Holiday Accommodation

Electricity

Holiday Meals

Holiday Travel

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GHG INTENSITY BY PASSENGER

Intensity GHG Emissions Per Passenger

Scope 1

Scope 2

Scope 3

2019

2023

2024

tCO 2e / pax

UNDERSTANDING GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) SCOPES Scopes are the basis for mandatory greenhouse gas reporting and are split into two categories: those directly under Quark Expeditions’ control, and those which we can influence only indirectly. Scope 1: Direct emissions from operations. Example: fuel combustion on our ships. Scope 2: Indirect emissions from energy purchases. Example: electricity for offices.

Scope 3: All other indirect emissions, from supply chain activities to guest travel.

By tracking these scopes, we can gain a better understanding of our impact and work towards reducing our carbon footprint.

28 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

Photo: Michelle Sole

METHODOLOGY Quark Expeditions follows the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard for emissions accounting, ensuring consistency with global best practices. We categorize emissions into three scopes based on operational control and influence. Fleet fuel consumption is measured directly through onboard monitoring systems and fuel receipts. Hotel and office electricity usage comes from utility bills and property management data. Business travel is tracked through expense reporting and booking systems. Supply chain emissions are calculated using spend-based factors for major categories. We use publicly available factors from the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for fuel combustion, electricity, and travel. Marine gas oil factors include well- to-tank upstream emissions. For international operations, we apply regional electricity grid factors where vessels connect to shore power. Our operational control approach includes all Quark-owned vessels, chartered ships under our operational management, and direct shore operations. We include guest charter flights and accommodation that we arrange, but exclude passenger travel to expedition departure points, as this varies significantly by guest origin and isn’t under our control.

WHAT IS MATERIALITY?

Materiality focuses carbon accounting efforts on the emission sources that matter most to our business and stakeholders. This means prioritizing fuel consumption, which accounts for the majority of our footprint, over smaller sources, such as office electricity. By concentrating measurement and reduction efforts on material sources, we can make the greatest potential impact on our footprint. Methodology and key data sources are validated by a third party on an annual basis. We maintain detailed documentation for all emission sources and regularly review calculation procedures to ensure accuracy and completeness as our operations evolve. CHARTING A PATH TO NET ZERO Climate poses a major threat to the polar ecosystems, and we recognize our role in this global issue. Addressing this requires significant commitment to reducing our own emissions. This year, we began developing a climate- aligned decarbonization plan. Strategies include improving ship efficiencies, engaging behavior change among staff and guests, and investing in low-carbon technologies. The challenges ahead are great—but so is our collective resolve.

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SUPPORTING INDUSTRY COMMITTEES Serving on—and leading— committees with IAATO, AECO and CLIA helps us all drive industry-wide standards, share best practices, and tackle environmental challenges. This collaborative approach strengthens sustainability efforts across the sector, achieving more than any operator could on its own.

Photo: Michelle Sole

30 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

IAATO CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE In 2024, the IAATO Climate Change Committee focused on emissions monitoring and reduction. A Quark Expeditions employee served as vice-chair, helping steer climate efforts. The committee updated strategy guidance, improved fuel data processes and prepared the important annual climate survey. Key achievements included publishing Beyond Fuel: IAATO Sustainability and Emissions Reduction Guidance to support operational emission cuts beyond fuel switching. The committee also collaborated on low-carbon fuel options and co-hosted a technical webinar for vessel operators.

AECO ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Quark Expeditions also served on the AECO Climate Change Working Group, which supported the creation of the AECO climate commitment and roadmap to reducing emissions in 2024. The working group evolved into the Environmental Stewardship Committee during 2024, expanding its focus beyond climate to encompass broader environmental protection initiatives across Arctic expedition operations.

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WASTE REDUCTION

In 2024, our waste reduction efforts remained focused on infrastructure, technologies, and education to minimize our impact. Despite the progress we’ve made with advanced technologies and some supply chain changes, we fell short of our zero waste-to-landfill target. The target was overly ambitious given the infrastructure limitations in the remote areas where we operate and was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo (left): Michelle Sole

32 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

From 2019 to 2024, we eliminated:

17,000 Parka Bags

1,150,000 Water Bottles

Photo: Nicolas Singh

Ultramarine and World Explorer operated with Micro Auto-Gasification systems in 2024, diverting approximately 1,500 cubic meters of combustible waste from landfill through high- temperature conversion to inert solid carbon. This technology remains a component of our waste management strategy. Waste prevention remains critical, particularly given the limited recycling infrastructure in the polar regions. We remain focused on eliminating waste at its source rather than managing it after generation. We eliminated around 5,250 kg of plastic from our supply chain in 2024 by removing single-use items. Since 2014, we’ve provided every guest with a reusable water bottle. Refillable soap and shampoo dispensers have replaced single-use products, and straws and napkins are available by request only—reducing waste and promoting sustainability awareness.

220,000 Toiletry Containers

That’s around 16,500 kg of plastic removed from the supply chain so that our guests never had to use them.

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Photo: Michelle Sole

COMMUNITIES: ENRICHING LIVES IN THE COMMUNITIES WE VISIT A Quark Expeditions voyage is more than a travel experience—it’s an immersive journey into the cultures and communities of the polar regions. Each itinerary is designed to connect guests with the people who call these remote regions home. We partner with local organizations to integrate cultural enrichment into our programs, offering insights into the history and traditions of Indigenous peoples. Onboard experts in Indigenous culture, history, and archeology lead presentations and workshops that explore traditional knowledge systems, survival practices, and community resilience. Many voyages include visits to Arctic communities, where guests can engage with artisans, elders and cultural guides. Whether learning about food preparation, hunting practices, or storytelling, these experiences foster genuine connections and deeper understanding. Guests hear directly from locals about their daily lives, challenges, and perspectives on the changing Arctic.

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CO-CREATED COMMUNITY- BASED EXPERIENCES TUNDRA TO TABLE Food is central to Inuit culture, reflecting deep ties to the land and reverence for what it provides. Co-developed by Quark Expeditions and Igapall, the Tundra to Table program transforms this heritage into a unique culinary journey for visitors to Greenland and Nunavut.

What makes Tundra to Table special is how it blends dining with cultural storytelling. Inuit chefs prepare traditional dishes aboard Ultramarine, sharing harvesting practices and food traditions in an intimate setting. Each dish offers a window into Inuit life, turning meals into moments of meaningful exchange. The program shows how responsible tourism can support Indigenous communities while offering travelers truly enriching experiences. The program’s success is evident in its numbers: 521 guests served over 8 voyages in 2024, with pre-bookings consistently selling out. But its impact goes deeper, creating a model where local ingredients are sourced through partnerships with Inuit hunters and food producers. Proceeds from Tundra to Table are shared between Igapall, the participating chefs, and Qajuqturvik, an organization addressing food sovereignty in Nunavut.

Photo: Nicolas Singh

36 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

Photo: Acacia Johnson

Afar Vanguard Award Recipient Travel Vanguard Awards celebrate organizations that are making travel a force for good. In 2024, Quark Expeditions and Igapall were among 9 recipients selected by a panel of judges from Afar Magazine for showcasing the cultural and food traditions of Greenland and Canada

Read more about the recipients

About Qajuqturvik Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre in Iqaluit, Nunavut, is an organization addressing food insecurity in the region. Serving over 60,000 meals annually, Qajuqturvik offers daily lunches featuring nutritious meals that often include country foods, like Arctic char and seal. Their programs encompass culinary training, children’s cooking classes, and pay-what-you-can food boxes, with over 750 participants and volunteers. Qajuqturvik also collaborates with local hunters to provide country food boxes, purchasing nearly 10,000 kg of country food in 2022. Through these initiatives, Qajuqturvik strengthens health, community, and food sovereignty in Nunavut.

About Igapall Igapall is a Greenlandic culinary collective founded by chefs Salik Parbst Frederiksen and Miki Siegstad, dedicated to celebrating and evolving Inuit cuisine. Rooted in traditional knowledge, Igapall works closely with hunters, fishers, farmers, and foragers to source seasonal, local ingredients. Through public food events and international collaborations, like Tundra to Table, Igapall introduces travelers from around the world to Greenland’s unique food identity.

Visit Qajuqturvik.ca

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MOUNTAIN BIKING IN SISIMIUT In 2024, Quark Expeditions launched the Sisimiut Mountain Biking Program—an example of our commitment to building lasting relationships in Arctic communities. Developed in partnership with Greenlandic entrepreneur Klaus Mueller and Arctic Circle Business, the initiative turns cycling assets into meaningful community infrastructure. Our team provided early-stage trail survey and design expertise, 12 bikes and business inspiration. The result: a 4.5-kilometer purpose-built trail, part of a 10-kilometer fat-bike ride through Sisimiut’s tundra. It also serves as lasting infrastructure for local use. The program employs local guides alongside Quark Expeditions experts, fostering knowledge transfer through a guide training program. Beyond operational value, this initiative reflects our community-first approach—creating partnerships that outlast individual voyages. As it moves toward greater local ownership, the program offers a model for sustainable tourism that respects community priorities while delivering transformative guest experiences. In its inaugural year, the program sold out with 16 participants.

38 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

Photo: Carlo Lukassen

GREENLAND CAMP EXPERIENCE Developed with Local Greenland at Tasermiut Camp, this wilderness experience offers up to eight guests an unfiltered connection to Greenland’s land and culture. It includes helicopter transfers, guided hikes, lake fishing, and meals prepared by a local chef using traditional, locally sourced ingredients. Led by local guides and the chef, the program fosters cultural exchange through shared knowledge and culinary traditions. Guests sleep in tents, immersed in the natural transition from twilight to morning. Its popularity speaks for itself—all 42 spots sold out before the 2024 departure.

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ENGAGING COMMUNITY VISITS

BUILDING CONNECTIONS: COMMUNITY LUNCHES IN IKPIARJUK In 2024, two community lunches were held aboard Ultramarine in Ikpiarjuk (Arctic Bay), part of a new initiative developed with local stakeholders. Community leaders emphasized the hamlet’s tradition of gathering over shared meals. Both events reached full capacity, with long lines of eager locals waiting to embark. The lunches sparked positive interactions between residents and the Quark Expeditions team, along with a noticeable uptick in local social media engagement. Building on that success, we’re exploring ways to enhance safety and streamline logistics for future onboard meals. This unique experience—exclusive to Quark Expeditions guests—aims to model reciprocal cultural exchange and foster meaningful, face-to-face connections in Arctic communities.

40 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

Photos: (bottom left) Acacia Johnson, (left) Dani Plumb, (below) Acacia Johnson

KEEPING COMMUNITIES INFORMED: PRE-VOYAGE COMMUNICATION

Quark Expeditions continued to enhance the pre-voyage communication strategy, keeping residents of Nunavut communities informed and prepared for ship visits. While all visits are pre- confirmed with local stakeholders, we emphasize direct outreach to foster preparedness and a welcoming environment for our guests. Announcements in English and Inuktitut were shared with community contacts to post in common areas and on local social media as soon as visits were confirmed. These were followed by reminders one week and one day before arrival. Any updates or cancellations were communicated transparently to ensure community members understood the reasons for changes. By staying flexible and incorporating local feedback, Quark Expeditions continues to strengthen relationships with northern communities and ensure visits are respectful, beneficial, and aligned with local priorities.

CONNECTING THROUGH SPORT: SOCCER & BALL HOCKEY In 2024, Quark Expeditions organized sporting events in several Arctic communities to foster connections through open participation, involving locals, guests and the Expedition Team. The program featured friendly soccer matches in Aappilattoq and Qeqertarsuaq. Quark Expeditions also donated a full set of hockey equipment to the hamlet of Ausuittuq (Grise Fjord). The hamlet council responded with an official letter of thanks, recognizing the donation’s value and its role in supporting year-round recreation. Looking ahead to 2025, Quark Expeditions will build on this success and expand programming in partnership with local communities.

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BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Building strong relationships with communities and industry partners is

fundamental to our operations in the polar regions. We actively participate in industry association activities that support community engagement, recognizing that meaningful collaboration creates better outcomes for everyone. We are proud to work alongside other operators and local stakeholders to develop industry-wide approaches that benefit communities.

Photo: Michelle Sole

42 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

STAKEHOLDER CRUISE: BUILDING BRIDGES FOR

“Overall, this cruise was highly valuable for me. It exceeded my expectations in terms of learning about the expedition cruise industry and its operations. The insights gained will be instrumental in my work moving forward. I also see room for improvements, particularly in enhancing community engagement and tailoring guidelines more specifically to the unique conditions in Nunavut.” Bill Wiliams, former Executive Director of Nunavut Economic Developers Association “It was valuable to see first-hand how a community visit is carried out…The team all spoke positively about the experience in Arctic Bay. They also spoke about the need to create a similar type relationship in other Nunavut communities.” Alex Stubbing, President of Travel Nunavut “Marine tourism in the territory has continued to grow beyond pre- pandemic levels. It’s important to ensure the economic development of our communities continues to grow alongside that...It’s through collaborative efforts such as these discussions with territorial and local stakeholders, where we can move forward together to create a thriving tourism industry in Nunavut.” Trevor Wright, Intern Director, Tourism & Cultural Industries with Government of Nunavut

RESPONSIBLE ARCTIC TOURISM In September 2024, Quark Expeditions hosted an Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) Stakeholder Cruise aboard Ultramarine, bringing together Arctic community leaders with expedition cruise industry representatives for an immersive seven-day dialogue. Representatives from Travel Nunavut, Nunavut Economic Developers Association, and the Government of Nunavut joined AECO and Quark Expeditions to experience our operations firsthand while fostering mutual understanding about sustainable Arctic tourism development. The dual-purpose approach delivered measurable value. Nunavummiut stakeholders gained direct insight into expedition cruise operations, dispelling misconceptions and recognizing our commitment to environmental stewardship and cultural respect. We also learned from local leaders about priorities and opportunities for deeper collaboration. Together, we identified ways to strengthen local economic ties—sourcing provisions in Nunavummiut ports, supporting Arctic artists, and enhancing onboard programming to reflect Arctic history through Indigenous perspectives rather than solely through colonial narratives. Feedback also led to improvements in communication protocols and highlighted infrastructure opportunities beneficial to both communities and operations. Engaging diverse Arctic stakeholders ensures that local communities remain central to tourism development. Making them true partners— rather than just destinations—creates more meaningful guest experiences and supports long-term sustainable tourism that benefits everyone involved.

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Photo: Acacia Johnson

44 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

AECO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE AECO is committed to ensuring expedition cruise tourism contributes meaningfully to visited communities. Through community engagement initiatives, AECO and its members work closely with local stakeholders to support mutual benefits and sustainable development. In 2024, AECO’s Community Engagement Committee made strong progress in strengthening ties between Arctic communities and the expedition cruise industry. A key achievement was Inuit Guide Recruitment: through partnerships with Campus Kujalleq and Nalunaiqsijiit, the committee supported the development of local talent in Greenland and Nunavut, leading to successful recruitment of multiple onboard Inuit guides for Quark Expeditions. Several long-term projects are underway. Following the AECO Stakeholder Cruise hosted by Quark Expeditions, AECO is developing clear, passenger-facing import/export guidelines to support ethical and legal purchases during community visits. A draft will be shared with AECO operators and local partners in 2025 to guide responsible purchasing and support year-round tourism development. A seasonally updated Stakeholder Directory is also in progress for Arctic 2025, aimed at streamlining communication, reducing community burden, and promoting a respectful, coordinated engagement approach. Together, these efforts reflect AECO’s commitment to economic collaboration and respectful, community-centered operations in the Arctic.

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OUR GUESTS’ IMPACT: AUCTION SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITIES & EDUCATION

ILISAQSIVIK Ilisaqsivik, an Inuit-led organization based in Clyde River, Nunavut, has promoted community health and wellbeing since 1997. The organization delivers culturally grounded programs and services in Inuktitut, addressing challenges facing Inuit communities across Nunavut. Their work integrates Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (traditional knowledge) with contemporary approaches, ensuring mental health support is both culturally relevant and accessible in communities’ own language. Ilisaqsivik fills a critical gap in regions where culturally appropriate services are often limited. The organization’s flagship “Our Life’s Journey” program has trained counselors for 15 years, with many graduates now staffing the Mobile Trauma Crisis Response Team throughout the Baffin Region. This creates a sustainable network of Inuit counselors who can provide immediate, culturally appropriate mental health support. The program demonstrates how community-led initiatives can build lasting capacity and improve wellbeing across the Arctic.

Visit Ilisaqsivik.ca

Photo: Acacia Johnson

46 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com

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