Sustainability Policy at White Desert
Environmental Governance in Antarctica
With two decades of experience in Antarctica, White Desert understands what it takes to operate responsibly in one of the world’s most fragile environments. Antarctica is unique in that there are no nations here, and its protection is governed entirely by international agreements that prioritise peace, science, and conservation.
The Antarctic Treaty, first signed in 1959 and now joined by 46 countries, lays the foundation for all activity on the Continent. Environmental protection is further reinforced under the Madrid Protocol of 1991, which designates Antarctica as a 'natural reserve'. Every activity must be assessed for environmental impact, and only those deemed to have less than a minor or transitory effect are permitted.
Shaping Policy and Leading Change
White Desert has been recognised for its leadership in environmental protection, including awards for our Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE), which clearly demonstrates how our operations maintain less than a minor or transitory environmental impact. Our camps are fully temporary and designed to leave no trace, while every activity follows strict mitigation measures.
Our IEE report can be viewed here, and our supplemental report here.
In 2021, White Desert became the first Antarctic operator to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel, a major step in reducing the carbon footprint of aviation in Antarctica. SAF is produced from waste oils rather than crops, offering a carbon reduction of up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
Current blends of SAF provide a 24-40% reduction in emissions, while also producing less soot and sulfur — critical for maintaining air quality over the Continent. In future seasons, White Desert plans to use SAF for all Antarctic flights, supporting our science-based targets and commitment to the Pledge to Net Zero.
Read more about our SAF usage here.
Residual carbon emissions that cannot be avoided are offset through internationally recognised programs. White Desert has been Carbon Neutral® certified since 2007 and has contributed to the Global Renewable Energy Portfolio since 2020. These measures ensure that our operations are as responsible as they are adventurous.
View our Carbon Neutral certification here.
White Desert continues to set the standard for environmental stewardship in Antarctica. We innovate with renewable energy, such as relying heavily on solar panels, implement strict environmental management plans, influence policy through leadership roles, and publish annual Environmental and Sustainability Reports.
By combining luxury travel with rigorous sustainability practices, we offer our guests the chance to explore Antarctica responsibly, leaving the Continent inspired to protect its extraordinary beauty for future generations.
White Desert offsets its flights and activities with accredited carbon-neutral schemes. It has pioneered a solar-power system for heat and water, and this year [2020] expects to eliminate single-use plastics from its supply chain. All waste is shipped out to be recycled or disposed of responsibly in South Africa. Finally, when the camp’s lifespan reaches a natural end, it will be removed without a trace.
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Stanley Stewart
Condé Nast Traveller
The First Steps
In November, Atka Bay awakens to a flurry of tiny Emperor Penguin chicks, newly hatched and beginning to wobble from their parents’ feet. Each chick faces a staggering challenge: nearly half will not survive the extreme Antarctic conditions. Their insulating grey down — delicate yet remarkably resilient — helps them endure temperatures plunging below –50°C (–58°F) and winds exceeding 190 km/h (120 mph).
The early season offers an intimate view of this vulnerable stage of the penguins’ life cycle, as chicks take their first steps onto the ice. The journey to the colony is as memorable as the encounter itself: a 2.5-hour Basler flight reveals the vast ice shelf and surrounding ocean before guests continue by PistenBully, approaching at a respectful distance. As thousands of penguins emerge on the horizon, visitors witness fluffy chicks, watchful parents, and the unfiltered reality of survival in Earth’s harshest environment — a perspective few will ever experience.
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