Tourism Declares

At Terra Nova Expeditions, we proudly commit to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.

We fully support its vision for a more responsible and climate-conscious travel industry.

We recognize the urgent need to reduce global tourism’s carbon footprint and to restore balance between the destinations we explore and the impacts we create. We believe that small-ship, purpose-driven expeditions offer a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership in low-impact travel and to promote climate literacy among both travelers and our staff.

As signatories, we fully support the five shared pathways of
the Glasgow Declaration:

Aerial view of a ship navigating through icy waters with floating chunks of ice around it in black and white.

1. Measure

We will measure and disclose our carbon emissions across all operations — including fuel use, travel logistics, accommodation, and supply chains — by applying credible tools and data sources. Wherever feasible, we will also account for Scope 3 emissions, such as passenger travel and onboard services.

2. Decarbonise

A sailboat in icy waters with icebergs and snow-covered mountains in the background.

We are committed to actively reducing emissions by:

  • Operating only small ships with lower fuel consumption and minimized onboard infrastructure

  • Prioritizing the use of repurposed vessels over new builds to reduce embodied carbon

  • Exploring low-emission fuels, optimizing routes, and minimizing unnecessary energy use

  • Embedding science-based reduction targets in all future program designs

Penguins on rocky terrain near a building with a Union Jack flag flying above, with mountains and clouds in the background, in black and white.

3. Regenerate

We will positively contribute to the destinations we visit by:

  • Supporting Antarctic research and citizen science on every voyage

  • Maintaining respectful, minimal-footprint operations at each landing site

  • Supporting local conservation and heritage projects through partnerships and educational outreach

4. Collaborate

A large group of penguins gathered closely together on a flat surface.

We will work alongside industry peers, scientists, port authorities, and environmental organizations — especially within the IAATO framework — to share best practices and advance solutions for expedition cruising.

Black and white aerial photo of icy glaciers and a dark ocean with steam or smoke rising from the ice

5. Finance

We will dedicate appropriate resources to these efforts, including staff training, emissions mitigation, and environmental education for both passengers and partners.

We believe that our approach — smaller ships, longer time ashore, and simpler experiences — already aligns with many of the goals set by the Glasgow Declaration, though we acknowledge there is always more to do. This declaration is our promise not only to our guests and partners, but to the fragile polar regions we proudly serve.

We are proud to be small, guided by science, and committed to a net-zero future for expedition travel.

To find out more about the Glasgow Declaration and how the global travel community is taking climate action, visit Tourism Declares.

Together, we can help create a more responsible and climate-positive future for tourism.