Facts and cooperation instead of scapegoats

Once again, allegations are made against tourism, as an argument for the proposed new polar bear regulations. This time it's claimed to be necessary to protect the tourists, who are said to be increasingly risking their lives to get close to the bear.

The Governor's head of environmental protection speaks about the proposed polar bear regulations in Svalbardposten on 4 April, painting a picture of an industry that moves far beyond the limits of acceptable behaviour, and cuts everyone across the board. This is inappropriate.

The Governor knows that the organized tourism industry in Svalbard has worked systematically for decades to ensure accountability and sustainability. They are also aware that the member organizations have much stricter rules for operations than required.

Guidelines created in collaboration

Some of the industry's own guidelines have been established in collaboration with the Governor. This also applies to AECO's guidelines for polar bears, which include the distance that has been requested by the Governor.

We have guidelines for all other animals, vegetation, cultural heritage - and for marketing. If you are a member of AECO, you must comply with these and other requirements. If you don't, it will be followed up and can have consequences for the membership. If our members break other laws and regulations, we expect the Governor to follow up.

We do not recognize ourselves in the Governors description, and it's unfortunate that claims are made without documentation. From the polar bear conservation in 1973 to 2018, 131 polar bears were euthanized in Svalbard. Of these, 50 bears were euthanized by researchers or residents at field stations. 15 polar bears have been euthanized in incidents related to tourism. The vast majority of cases concerned people on private trips.

Unreasonable insinuations

In 50 years, two bears have been euthanized in connection with cruise tourism. This is two bears too many, and the incidents have led to consequences for the tourism industry. Safety is continuously worked on, and the insinuation that tourism puts life and health at risk for polar bear experiences is unreasonable.

The Head of environmental protection is right that some expedition cruise operators use the Zodiac for sightseeing, and that this also happens in the vicinity of polar bears. Several boats can - at an appropriate distance - calmly and quietly observe polar bears on land.

This is not illegal. There's no documentation that this type of activity is harmful to the polar bear, and it does not endanger people. If this is what the authorities want to stop, why not regulate it? Why not in dialogue with the industry, which can help to find good solutions, and follow up on self-regulation and self-justice.

Finger pointing and top-down attitude

The Governor has previously expressed a wish that as many operators as possible should be organized. As we see it, the motivation to be organized is undermined by the finger pointing and top-down attitude in regulatory matters.

The Parliament is about to consider the proposal. The Standing Committee on Energy and Environment, is currently writing its recommendation. Together with NHO (Norwegian Confederation of Business and Industry) and Visit Svalbard, we have approached the Committee to point out the major consequences that the regulation can have, not only for the tourism industry, but for everyone who travels in Svalbard.

Maybe this is too small of an issue to engage many people, when there are many big issues to consider. But maybe there is a political environment in Svalbard that can get through to their fellow party members in the Parliament, to help ensure that?"next year's Easter trip does not end with 5 years in prison".