An assessment of tundra degradation resulting from the presence of a field camp in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard

During the last two decades the archipelago of Svalbard has evolved as a focal point for tourism and scientific research in the Arctic. In 1995 the Norwegian authorities inaugurated a management plan in order to conserve Svalbard and to minimise environmental degradation resulting from increased anthropogenic activity. However, the potential for accelerated modification of the tundra, as a result of field camps, was not addressed. Parameters, such as percentage vegetation cover, soil compaction, and soil infiltration rate were measured before and after a four-week period of field-camp activity, under controlled conditions, during July 1997. The study site was located near Ny-Ålesund, Kongsfjorden, Spitsbergen. Statistical analysis showed that where no significant differences in the parameters were recorded at the control site, the presence of a field camp did cause a significant impact on the Arctic heath tundra surface. For example, mean soil compaction, increased from 1.16 kg cm -2 to 2.57 kg cm -2 . The use of good practice procedures, such as moving tents regularly and utilising a groundsheet, did not prevent an impact on the environment. Key parameters at the main study sites were reassessed in July 1999, revealing that no significant recovery from the impact caused in 1997 had occurred. An established campsite at Ny-Ålesund was also studied in 1997, and the results support the findings of the main survey: a significant difference recorded for the parameters measured at the campsite, compared to negligible or no changes at the control site. In order to achieve a sustainable tourism and science-based community in Svalbard, i t is proposed that the existing management plan be expanded to incorporate a set of guidelines for wilderness camping, with the aim of mitigating the impact of field camps on the tundra

Archaeology · Archipelago · Arctic · Geography · Physical geography · Tundra · Vegetation (pathology) · Climate change and permafrost · Cryospheric studies and observations · Environmental Science · Geology · Oceanography · Polar Research and Ecology

• People and tourism in fragile environments

  Open Access•David J Telfer•Tourism Management•1997

  Incluir item

• Effects of Recreation Trampling on Natural Area Vegetation

  Fred R Kuss, Alan R Graefe•Journal of Leisure Research•1985

  Incluir item

• Antarctic visitor behaviour

  Open Access•Pamela B Davis•Polar Record•1995

  Incluir item

• A simple visual technique for estimating the impact of fieldwork on the terrestrial environment in ice-free areas of Antarctica

  Open Access•Iain Campbell, I B Campbell et al.•Polar Record•1993

  Incluir item

• Polar tourism regulation strategies

  Open Access•Margaret E Johnston•Polar Record•1997

  Incluir item

• Effects of human trampling on the sub-Antarctic vegetation of Macquarie Island

  Open Access•J J Scott, J B Kirkpatrick•Polar Record•1994

  Incluir item

• Tourism on Svalbard

  Open Access•Arvid Viken, Frigg Jørgensen•Polar Record•1998

  Incluir item