Become a Voice for our Future this Antarctic Ambassadorship Day
April 24 is Antarctic ambassadorship day, a global event dedicated to recognising the remarkable achievements of our Antarctic ambassador community. This year, ethel borggreven-ploum shares her own inspiring journey as an ambassador and invites you to join her.
Dear friends,
Years ago, I carried a quiet dream in my heart: to travel south—far south—to the white, wild edge of our planet. In October–November 2016, after three years of saving and gathering my expedition gear piece by piece, that dream finally came true.
I spent three unforgettable weeks voyaging through South Georgia and the sub-Antarctic, arriving at last in Antarctica itself.
At that time, I could never have expected the way it still influences my life today.
I learned about the animals that thrive in the cold, the delicate balance of the environment, the fascinating science of ice, and the invisible heroes—like algae—that quietly support ecosystems across the entire world. Antarctica is not distant or separate from us. It is deeply connected to every breath we take and every ocean current that shapes our climate.
When I returned home, I knew my journey wasn’t over. I created a presentation filled with my own photographs so others could travel there with me. It took a year to finish, and sharing it has been a great way to raise awareness of the importance of Antarctica and its role on our planet. From an outdoor shop to a library, from one audience to another through word-of-mouth, I’ve seen how people’s eyes widen with wonder—and how wonder can turn into care.
That is why I’m writing to you today.
On Antarctic Ambassadorship Day, I invite you to become an ambassador too – or if you are already proud to bear that title, to take your ambassadorship to the next level.
You don’t have to sail across the Southern Ocean to make a difference. You can start at home. Reduce plastic. Respect nature. Talk about what you learn. Encourage and inspire others. Small changes ripple outward, just like currents in the sea. The choices we make here reach even the most remote places on Earth.
Antarctica taught me stillness, beauty, and responsibility. It showed me that protecting our planet begins with everyday actions and shared stories. When we speak up for this fragile continent, we speak up for all of us. There’s a quiet but mighty power in that.
Join me in celebrating, learning, and advocating. Become a voice for the ice, the wildlife, and our future.
With hope and gratitude,
