Chile's New Marine Protected Area: A Legacy of Conservation

In a significant move just before leaving office, former Chilean President Gabriel Boric enacted legislation to establish a vast marine protected area surrounding the Juan Fernández Archipelago. This initiative encompasses 386,000 square miles of ocean, connecting with the existing Nazca-Desventuradas marine parks and representing 50% of Chile’s territorial waters. The newly designated area is now recognized as the third-largest marine protected region globally, providing a sanctuary for diverse marine life, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and the Juan Fernández fur seal.

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Chile has been a proactive participant in global biodiversity efforts, particularly through its support of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Prior to this new legislation, approximately 180,000 square miles of ocean in the region were already under protection. The push for expanded marine protections was driven by local islanders, national authorities, and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), highlighting a collaborative effort to safeguard both biodiversity and cultural heritage.

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Pablo Manríquez Angulo, the mayor of Robinson Crusoe Island, emphasized the importance of this initiative for the local community, stating, “Expanding marine protections is not only about conserving biodiversity, it’s about safeguarding our culture, our traditions, and the future of our children.” This sentiment reflects a broader recognition among island residents of the interconnectedness of environmental conservation and cultural preservation.

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Dan Crockett, Executive Director of the Blue Marine Foundation, praised the legal designation, asserting, “The community of Juan Fernández, President Gabriel Boric and the Chilean government are to be hugely congratulated for this legal designation.” This acknowledgment underscores the significance of the new marine park as a critical step toward achieving global conservation goals by 2030.

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Despite the positive reception from conservationists and local leaders, Boric's administration faced challenges during his presidency, including low approval ratings. Critics may argue that while the marine park is a commendable achievement, it does not fully address other pressing issues faced by the Chilean populace, such as economic concerns and social inequalities.

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As Chile moves forward, the establishment of this marine protected area sets a precedent for future conservation efforts. The international community will likely monitor the implementation and effectiveness of these protections, as they play a crucial role in global biodiversity conservation strategies.

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• “Expanding marine protections is not only about conserving biodiversity, it’s about safeguarding our culture, our traditions, and the future of our children.” — Pablo Manríquez Angulo, Mayor of Robinson Crusoe Island.

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• “The community of Juan Fernández, President Gabriel Boric and the Chilean government are to be hugely congratulated for this legal designation,” — Dan Crockett, Executive Director of Blue Marine Foundation.

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