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
Sustainability Report 2024: Our Commitment to Conservation & Community | 5
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