Oceana Chile, a project partner of the Blue Nature Alliance, celebrated a historic milestone for Chilean government and the Juan Fernández Archipelago. On September 14, 2024, the management plan for the “Mar de Juan Fernández” Multiple-Use Conservation Area was approved as the first management plan under Chile’s new Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service. 

The management plan represents the culmination of a process which began in 2016 and included extensive collaboration with local community, government, scientists, international donors, and marine conservation organizations. Notably, this process led to the creation of a 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. 

The full announcement from Oceana Chile can be read here ‘Management Plan for the “Mar de Juan Fernández” Protected Area is Approved, the First Under New Nature Law’.

The Blue Nature Alliance extends our congratulations to Oceana Chile, Organización Funcional Comunitaria Mar de Juan Fernandez, Ministry of the Environment of the Republic of Chile, and all other involved in this monumental achievement.

Additional information on the full scope of the Blue Nature Alliance’s partnerships in Chile can be found here https://www.bluenaturealliance.org/locations/chile.

About the project

The Blue Nature Alliance aims to catalyze 18 million square kilometers of ocean conservation area in collaboration with governments, NGOs, Indigenous peoples and local communities, ocean conservation experts, scientists, communities of practice, and financial strategist. Working in partnership at all levels – from local to national leadership – we create and implement bold, transformative plans at scale. The Blue Nature Alliance brings together the technical expertise, financial support, global network, and lessons learned to achieve clear, shared, and time-bound goals for establishing or expanding ocean conservation areas and improving management or strengthening levels of protection in existing protected areas.

For more information, please contact Joaquin Labougle: joaquin@bluenaturealliace.org

Words by Joanie Coker.

Photo cover: Roy MacKenzie.