Good governance practices are fundamental to building a robust framework for Quark Expeditions’ sustainability initiatives. By anchoring our operations in principles informed by leading impact assessments, we ensure that our sustainability initiatives are strategic, actionable, and measurable. This foundation is essential to align every team member with our sustainability goals so that together, we can drive meaningful environmental and social outcomes.

Goal: By 2025, Quark Expeditions will establish sustainable governance practices informed by leading impact assessments.

Why this matters

Principles form the backbone of an effective ESG strategy. Strong governance structures help us to define clear responsibilities and set expectations for behavior at all levels, promoting transparency and integrity. Our principles ensure that initiatives are not superficial efforts but are deeply embedded in our culture and operational practices.

Industry Associations

At Quark Expeditions, we are committed to collaborating with organizations dedicated to protecting the polar regions. We actively participate in committees and working groups within key polar and cruise industry associations. In 2023, Quark team members contributed to the missions of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). 

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Commitment to Our People

At Quark Expeditions, our people are at the heart of our business. Our success depends on the dedication and expertise of our team, which is why we invest in their development and involvement. Our team is made up of many talented individuals from our expedition team who provide a safe, world-class on-ship experience to our shore staff, who manage all pre- and post-voyage elements.

Training

New team members are taught all elements of Quark Expeditions policies, procedures, and practices when they join and are refreshed at least annually. Along with mandatory training in health and safety, ethical practices, information security, and more, all employees have access to an extensive self-directed training library, including e-books, podcasts, books, videos, and articles on various topics for professional and personal development. Quark Expeditions also supports any specific training, certifications, or licenses required for the successful completion of a role.  

Quark Academy ensures that all new expedition team members meet rigorous guiding and safety standards before venturing into the field. The curriculum, taught by our experienced instructors, covers a wide range of hard skills, including risk management, leadership and guiding, radio communications, and small-vessel operations. Participants gain skills in emergency response and preparedness, familiarity with gear, group management in the field, technical and practical competence, as well as essential soft skills such as cultural awareness, storytelling and interpretation, and understanding how to support our guests

Engagement

Staff engagement is prioritized throughout the organization in various ways, including regular engagement surveys. Results are reviewed by the senior leadership team to assess what is working, identify emerging themes for improvement, and take actionable steps to address them. This frequent engagement ensures that every team member feels valued and heard regardless of whether they work on shore or on board, contributing to a more cohesive workforce.

Our main office, located in Toronto, Canada, has a social committee that ensures the focus on staff social engagements, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and charity events.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in the development of programs aimed at fostering an inclusive culture where individuals from all backgrounds feel welcome and able to thrive. These include policies that promote gender parity in leadership roles, both on shore and in the field, creating a safe environment that honors underrepresented groups, and expanding our recruitment efforts to attract talent that enriches and diversifies our organization.

Sustainability Committee

2024 saw the return of the Sustainability Committee, a dynamic, cross-organizational network of people dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainability. This committee serves as a central hub for sharing information and best practices, building capabilities, and enhancing staff engagement around sustainability initiatives. Through regular collaboration and communication, the committee advocates for sustainability initiatives across all levels of the organization, from field operations to shore-based activities.  

By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the committee can drive continuous improvement and innovation in Quark Expeditions’ sustainability practices. This holistic approach advances the company’s sustainability objectives and empowers employees to actively participate in and contribute to Quark Expeditions’ goal of minimizing environmental impact and promoting conservation in the polar regions.