THIS TALENTED TEAM WILL BRING INVALUABLE SKILLS, PERSPECTIVE AND ENTHUSIASM TO PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH ABOUT MICRO PLASTICS AND ONGOING POLAR PROTECTION
(TRAVPR.COM) US - November 11th, 2019 - Salt Lake City, Utah November 2019 – An expert panel reviewed tens of thousands of applications for the Airbnb Antarctic Sabbatical in partnership with the Ocean Conservancy with logistical support from adventure tour operator, Antarctica Logistics & Expeditions (ALE). The final five volunteers have been announced and are excited about the possibility to contribute to positive environmental changes and responsible tourism. Chosen from a substantial number of potential volunteers the Antarctic citizen science team represent a range of experiences and nationalities who will spend a month contributing to micro plastics research with their host, scientist Kirstie Jones-Williams.
When it comes to responsible tourism ALE is a leader in Antarctic expeditions and responsibly curated itineraries, providing on ice transportation, aircraft, communications, meteorological services, accommodation and expert guides for the Antarctic Sabbatical. The citizen science team will train in Punta Arenas, Chile, then explore Union Glacier, the South Pole, the Three Glaciers Retreat area in the Ellsworth Mountains and the Heritage Range. The Sabbatical’s itinerary includes collecting various snow samples and learning about the geological and glaciological (rock and ice) significance of each location, taking away invaluable experience from this once in a lifetime experience.
The outreach and awareness of the Antarctic Sabbatical along with adherence to the IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) strict conservation guidelines provides opportunity to address the need for effective research and lessening human impact on the environment. “Protecting the fragile environment of Antarctica has been part of the ALE brand and guest education from the beginning.” states David Rootes, a Managing Partner of ALE. The collaboration between Airbnb, the Ocean Conservancy and ALE is focused on understanding humans’ impact on the earth.
Each volunteer will be completely immersed in Antarctic life, contributing to environmental awareness and sharing their research on micro plastics with the world. The five volunteers bring varied backgrounds as an Assistant University Professor, World Wildlife Fund employee, community advocate, sustainability development director and start up founder.
Follow the Antarctic Sabbatical through the Airbnb website and Sabbatical landing page along with updates on the ALE website. For travelers interested in visiting the seventh continent it is encouraged you travel with a member of IAATO like ALE that have pledged to uphold the standards of safe and responsible tourism. A limited amount of travelers visit Antarctica each year and ALE is happy to be working with responsible brands throughout the Airbnb Antarctic Sabbatical.
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About Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions: Specializing in expeditions to Antarctica’s deep interior, Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions provides 14 unique adventure travel experiences along with camp services, communications, travel safety, air support, overland support, meteorology and full logistic services. With a diverse international team and unparalleled access to remote camps and retreats, ALE is led by passionate and seasoned partners and highly sought teams to provide exceptional experiences. ALE is a Member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.
Follow ALE on Social Media:
IG: @antarctic-logistics
FB: @antarcticlogistics
About Airbnb
Airbnb is one of the world’s largest marketplaces for unique, authentic places to stay and things to do, offering over 7 million accommodations and 40,000 handcrafted activities, all powered by local hosts. An economic empowerment engine, Airbnb has helped millions of hospitality entrepreneurs monetize their spaces and their passions while keeping the financial benefits of tourism in their own communities. With more than half a billion guest arrivals to date, and accessible in 62 languages across 191 countries and regions, Airbnb promotes people-to-people connection, community and trust around the world.
About Ocean Conservancy: Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with their partners, they create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it.
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