Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators

The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) is a voluntary cooperative organization of cruise lines largely working in the European arctic, including Greenland and Svalbard. AECO establishes guidelines for its members that cover passenger safety, environmental protection issues and ethical interactions with indigenous populations.[1][2][3]

Role in Arctic Governance

The AECO has collaborated with Arctic governance bodies to address sustainability concerns associated with growing marine tourism in the region. According to the Arctic Council, AECO has worked with its Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) Working Group to develop and standardize site-specific guidelines aimed at reducing environmental and cultural impacts and promoting safe operations in Arctic coastal areas.[4]

See also

  • International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators
  • Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment Working Group (PAME)

References

  1. Michael LuĘck, Patrick Timothy Maher, Emma Julie Stewart. Cruise Tourism in Polar Regions: Promoting Environmental and Social Sustainability? Earthscan, 2010, retrieved 12 June 2013^
  2. Jennifer Hill, Tim Gale. Ecotourism and Environmental Sustainability: Principles and Practice Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2012-11-28, retrieved 12 June 2013^
  3. Colin Woodard. Are polar cruises safe? Not all ships are equal Seattle Times, December 2, 2007, retrieved 12 June 2013^
  4. Ensuring sustainable Arctic tourism Arctic Council, retrieved 2026-02-09^