A once in a lifetime opportunity for a young New Zealander to visit the icy continent.
Antarctica, the icy continent, is the fifth largest and least
known of the world's land masses. It boasts 10% of the planet's
land area and more than 70% of its fresh water. It can claim to be
the highest place on earth, with an average height of 2300m above
sea level; the coldest place on earth, once recording a temperature
of -90°C; the windiest place on earth, with gusts up to 370km/h;
and the driest place on earth, with valleys that haven't seen rain
for thousands of years. Antarctica, with its unspoiled ecosystem,
is also the world's finest laboratory, and a continent with a rich
history of exploration, endurance and survival.
Antarctica's global significance has been recognised and
protected by the Antarctic Treaty System, but the key to ensuring
its long term protection is the education and engagement of the
next generation of environmental stewards.
The Antarctic Youth Ambassador programme, launched
(link to detail page below) in 2007 and run in association with
Antarctica New Zealand and the Antarctic Heritage Trust, selects
one young New Zealander annually to participate in and contribute
to the environmental and heritage restoration work in Antarctica,
and to educate others through their experiences. In doing so, this
programme invests in the future of the Antarctic environment by
building capability and understanding in young New Zealanders.
The Antarctic Youth Ambassador will be placed with Antarctica
New Zealand or the Antarctic Heritage Trust for a period during the
summer months and will work as part of an environmental or heritage
restoration team. This may include work based at the International
Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, at Scott Base in Antarctica or in
other Antarctic locations for which Antarctica New Zealand has
responsibility.