Management Plan for the “Mar de Juan Fernández” Protected Area is Approved, the First Under New Nature Law

This press release was originally posted by our partner Oceana Chile 

Lea el artículo en español aquí

The symbolic signature of the management plan for the Juan Fernández marine protected area took place in a well-attended ceremony, marking a historic milestone as the first management plan by the new Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service. It is also an example of citizen participation, as it had representation from the entire community.

Robinson Crusoe, September 14, 2024. A historic milestone for the Juan Fernández Archipelago and for Chile was reached during the ceremony approving the management plan for the “Mar de Juan Fernández” Multiple-Use Conservation Area. This is the first plan to be green-lighted under the new Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service (SBAP in Spanish).

“Today has been a historic and emotional moment for our people. With the approved plan, all doors are open to execute it, especially in the areas of environmental education, research, and inspection,” said Julio Chamorro, president of the Functional Community Organization, which represents the community on the Local Management Council. “We’ve shown that when the community is involved in conservation and decision-making, the processes are facilitated. We’re very happy, but also aware of the new tasks ahead, where we hope to continue advancing in this virtuous circle together with State agencies,” he added.

The Juan Fernandez's community members meeting to approve the "Mar de Juan Fernández” protected area

 This is the culmination of a process that began in 2016 when the Chilean government created the “Mar de Juan Fernández” Multiple-Use Marine Coastal Protected Area, followed by an extensive collaboration process to establish a governance model. The local community, the Chilean government, scientists, international donors, and marine conservation organization Oceana all participated.

Pablo Manríquez, mayor of Juan Fernández, recalled those who decades ago started advocating for the creation of a marine protected area, which today is being realized thanks to the work of several organizations and the community. “All of this converges on this very important day in our history, which will be remembered by the fishing community for achieving a management plan for our multiple-use marine area,” he stated.

Among the most notable achievements of this process was the creation of the Local Management Council, which includes representatives from the community, women, and seniors, as well as tourism and fishing stakeholders from the islands of Alejandro Selkirk, Robinson Crusoe, and Desventuradas. This council was key in securing community validation and official approval of the management plan.

“Our customs and traditions are rooted in the sea, where artisanal fishing stands out,” said Jaritza Rivadeneira, town councilwoman and president of the Environmental Commission of the Municipality of Juan Fernández. “Today, we had the opportunity to engage in dialogue between the local community and State institutions to jointly promote sustainable development through this iconic and important milestone that was the signature of the management plan for our marine protected area,” she added.

Among the most notable achievements of this process was the creation of the Local Management Council, which includes representatives from the community, women, and seniors, as well as tourism and fishing stakeholders from the islands of Alejandro Selkirk, Robinson Crusoe, and Desventuradas.

This marks progress in the effective management of one of the country’s most iconic places, known for having the highest level of marine species endemism in the world. It also continues with the protection of the sustainable fishing of the Juan Fernández lobster, a practice that has been carried out sustainably for over 100 years and is an example for the world.

“It’s been scientifically proven that when communities participate and are part of management plans, protected areas are better managed. We are very proud to have supported the community and the Chilean government in the creation and establishment of the management plans that will enable the effective management of the Mar de Juan Fernández protected area,” said Liesbeth van der Meer, executive director of Oceana in Chile. “The creation of a protected area is only a small part of the work that conservation of these biodiversity hotspots entails,” she added.

Surrogate Minister of Environment Máximo Proaño stated that this milestone fulfills “a long-standing desire of the Fernandecian community and is a step forward in effective protection,” adding that this achievement will drive efforts to “continue working on the full implementation of this plan, providing greater certainties and peace of mind to fishermen and the local community.”

The event was attended by surrogate Minister of Environment Maximiliano Proaño; the undersecretary of the Armed Forces Galo Eidelstein; congressman Jorge Brito; the mayor of Juan Fernández Pablo Manríquez; Julio Chamorro, president of the Functional Community Organization; representatives of the STIPA union; Selkirk fishermen and women; and representatives from Oceana and Conaf.