Chile takes a significant step by approving the management of the Juan Fernández marine parks. This crucial move effectively protects 587,117 square kilometers of ocean, representing almost 16% of its exclusive economic zone.
This advancement reinforces an innovative co-management model where the local community not only actively participates but also plays an essential role in monitoring and decision-making, ensuring the protection of their livelihood.
Under a co-governance scheme, 587,117 km² of Chilean ocean are now protected, integrating locals in supervision and the decision-making process.
Community participation in Juan Fernández is fundamental for marine conservation. Local leaders ensure that making decisions collectively facilitates compliance among residents.
For years, industrial fishing on nearby seamounts severely reduced marine populations. Although protected areas were established, real change began with solid management plans that include monitoring, compliance, and organized community participation.
Over 600 kilometers from the Chilean coast, Juan Fernández has become not only a symbol of oceanic biodiversity but also a model to follow.
This approved plan transforms declarative protection into effective protection. The network includes the Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park and the Juan Fernández Multiple Use Marine Conservation Area, covering 16% of Chile’s exclusive economic zone.
Chile protects, it’s not just the extent, but effective governance
Julio Chamorro Solís, president of Mar de Juan Fernández, highlights that community management of the sea is a historical practice that today receives institutional recognition.
The pressure from industrial fishing reduced some marine populations. The implementation of protected areas was an initial response, but real change comes with concrete management that includes scientific monitoring and citizen participation.
Biomass studies already show signs of recovery. Since 2003, local fishermen have collaborated in the collection of scientific data, building a bridge between traditional knowledge and formal science.
In December 2024, the Local Management Council was formally established, composed of community representatives and various national institutions.
According to Marisol Romero from the Ministry of the Environment, the process has been a “laboratory of intersectoral governance.”
The goal is to avoid “paper parks,” that is, protected areas in name only. Ignacio Petit from Oceana-Chile highlights that here there are plans with scientific objectives and a community actively involved.
Social support was fundamental, as nearly 90% of residents supported the management plans after an exhaustive community process.
The surveillance system is based on clear co-responsibility, where the community acts as an observer while the Navy and SERNAPESCA exercise formal oversight.
The region’s economy is evolving, with nature tourism and recreational fishing gaining relevance, reducing pressure on ecosystems and strengthening the relationship between conservation and livelihood.
“Today we not only protect the sea, but we ensure our way of life,” summarizes Chamorro. In a world where many protected areas are just promises, Juan Fernández becomes a practical reality.
Current scientific data suggests ecological recoveries. Since the early 21st century, local fishermen have contributed with researchers, merging traditional knowledge and scientific monitoring.
In 2024, a Local Management Council was formalized, uniting the community with national institutions, ensuring real oversight and avoiding “paper parks.”
