How The Antarctica21 Foundation Creates ‘Soulprints’ in the Last Continent

With Edgardo Vega, Director of the Antarctica21 Foundation.

In the remote reaches of Chilean Patagonia, where South America’s southernmost region meets the vast Southern Ocean, a unique initiative is transforming how people connect with Antarctica. The Antarctica21 Foundation, established in 2021, represents far more than a charitable organization: It embodies a vision where Antarctic exploration becomes a catalyst for lasting environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.

Born from the pioneering spirit of Antarctica21, the Foundation serves as a bridge between the transformative experience of visiting Antarctica and the long-term commitment to protecting it. "The inspiration came from the desire to amplify the positive impact generated by travel to Antarctica, connecting that deep and transformative experience with long-term educational, cultural, and scientific projects," explains Edgardo Vega, the Foundation's director. "We wanted to bring Antarctica closer to more people, promote interest in knowing, understanding, and protecting these southern ecosystems, and thereby generate a lasting commitment to the territory, its science, its history, and its future."

By promoting educational, cultural, and scientific activities that highlight the Antarctic heritage of Chile's Magallanes region and Antarctic territories, the Foundation ensures that the awe-inspiring moments experienced in Antarctica translate into meaningful action long after travelers return home. 

Among its most celebrated initiatives is ILAN, an innovative board game about Antarctic biodiversity that has captivated hundreds of students and families across Chile. Through gameplay, participants discover the complexity of Antarctic ecosystems while developing collaborative problem-solving skills, proving that education about the world's most remote continent can be both accessible and engaging.

"There have been many special moments in these four years," reflects Edgardo, whose unique background in biochemistry and neuroscience brings a distinctive perspective to Antarctic education. "I especially remember an ILAN activity at the school in Puerto Williams. After playing and talking about Antarctica, an eight-year-old girl approached me with eyes full of emotion and said: 'Now I understand why taking care of Antarctica is so important to me: there's so much more than penguins! How can I help?'"

The Foundation hosts even more cultural projects, such as the theatrical production "Smoking Concert”, where history comes to life by recreating the jubilant celebration in Punta Arenas following the pilot Luis Pardo's heroic rescue of Ernest Shackleton's stranded crew. The Foundation also organized Punta Arenas's first Antarctic community fair, uniting over twelve institutions to showcase their Antarctic work to an eager public.

For Vega, the impact of each program is of the utmost importance. "It's not just about teaching about an extreme place, but about awakening a sense of belonging, identity, and responsibility."

Looking ahead, the Foundation's ambitions are as vast as the continent it serves. Plans are underway for Antarkit, a comprehensive educational program using challenges, workshops, and games to inspire young polar defenders. A digital platform showcasing polar audiovisual heritage will preserve and share Antarctica's rich history of exploration. Perhaps most ambitiously, the Foundation envisions creating a permanent exhibition on austral exploration in Punta Arenas, cementing the city's role as a gateway to Antarctic understanding.

For guests traveling with Antarctica21, the Foundation transforms a remarkable journey into an enduring legacy. Through onboard science programs, travelers contribute directly to Antarctic research. Educational presentations deepen understanding of the continent's ecosystems, while collaborations with local artists and institutions connect visitors to the vibrant Antarctic culture of southern Chile. Every expedition supports the Foundation's work, ensuring that each journey contributes to the protection of Antarctica and the education of future generations.

The Antarctica21 Foundation stands as a beacon of hope in conservation, demonstrating that luxury travel and conservation can work in harmony, creating what Vega beautifully describes as a "soulprint": an emotional and spiritual imprint that transforms travelers into lifelong advocates for the world's last great wilderness.

Learn more about the Antarctica21 Foundation here!