Supporting Science, Conservation, and Community Development
Together, Quark Expeditions and our guests supported the following organizations:
Quark Expeditions actively supports researchers and conservationists by inviting them onboard our vessels and facilitating their access to remote areas of the Arctic and Antarctic. This enables them to conduct crucial fieldwork and gather invaluable data. These collaborations not only advance scientific understanding but also enrich the experience of our guests, making them active participants in the preservation of the polar ecosystems.
During 2023, guests who traveled with Quark Expeditions contributed nearly $200,000 during onboard charitable auctions to polar conservation, science, and community development. By leveraging our guests’ deep connection with the Polar Regions, we build support for vital conservation projects that align with our vision for preserving these extraordinary environments.
Penguin Watch: Partnering for Penguin Conservation
For over 13 years, Quark Expeditions has proudly supported Penguin Watch, an initiative dedicated to understanding penguin ecology in our rapidly changing world and developing practical conservation strategies. This partnership has been pivotal in providing essential scientific data to support conservation efforts around the Antarctic Peninsula, Scotia Arc, the Falklands/Malvinas, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands. During the 2022/23 Antarctic season, we were thrilled to have Penguin Watch researchers join us on World Explorer , visiting the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia. While onboard, they counted penguin colonies, engaged with our guests, collected invaluable data in the context of Avian Flu arrival in the region, and accessed their network of cameras that provide critical monitoring data. Additionally, we facilitated their safe return to Ushuaia from South Georgia after inclement weather altered their plans. This season was particularly significant as it marked the full return of tourism to Antarctica after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering Penguin Watch a unique opportunity to study how penguins responded to the decreased human presence.
Community Engagement 11%
Research 58%
Penguin Watch’s research offers invaluable insights for policy-makers on areas sensitive to climate change, fishing, and human disturbance. The project also provides crucial advice to the Antarctic Treaty, IAATO, the UK, and the South Georgia Government. Thanks to the support of Quark Expeditions and funds raised through guest auctions, Penguin Watch is making a significant impact on penguin conservation, protected areas, and visitor guidelines.
47 Auctions $197,000
Conservation 31%
To learn more about Penguin Watch, visit PenguinWatch.org.
32 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
Polar Promise 2023 |
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