Chile protects over half of its ocean

Chile protects over half of its ocean

The community of the Juan Fernández archipelago is today celebrating an historic achievement for ocean conservation. President Gabriel Boric has signed a decree that fully protects 360,000 sq km of the waters around the Juan Fernández and Nazca-Desventuradas marine parks. Once effectively implemented, the fully protected area will cover a massive 946,571 sq km, the third largest no-take zone in the world (after the Ross Sea in Antarctica and Papahānaumokuākea). Chile will also have reached over 50 per cent protection of their exclusive economic zone, alongside other global leaders like French Polynesia and Panama. Blue Marine Foundation, Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy and partners celebrate this historic achievement by the community.

The people of Juan Fernández, who have been sustainably managing their lobster fishery since 1890, presented the Chilean government with a proposal to expand conservation areas last year. The Juan Fernández and Desventuradas archipelagos form part of an underwater mountain chain, sheltering an incredible abundance of endemic species. This includes the Juan Fernández fur seal, lobster and octopus. This new commitment by the Chilean government builds on a rich history of conservation in the islands, leading to the earlier designation of a network of marine protected areas covering more than 580,000 sq km. Whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds and numerous fish species will be fully protected under the new designation.

This demonstrates that Chile continues to be a global leader in ocean protection. Chile has significantly contributed to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, where the countries of the world set a target to effectively protect at least 30 per cent of the global ocean by 2030, to reverse biodiversity loss.

Pablo Manríquez Angulo, mayor of Robinson Crusoe Island in the Juan Fernández Archipelago, said: “This commitment reflects the heart of our community. Expanding marine protections is not only about conserving biodiversity, it’s about safeguarding our culture, our traditions, and the future of our children. We are proud to have led the way in this globally significant contribution.”

Max Bello, Global MPA specialist at Blue Marine, said: “It is heart-warming to see the wishes of this unique and special community, many of whom I have known for over 20 years, rewarded for their commitment and perseverance by the Chilean government. For the endemic marine species of the islands and their waters this represents a decisive win.”

Julio Chamorro Solís, president of the Organización Comunitaria Funcional Mar de Juan Fernández, said: “For generations, our community has lived in harmony with the sea, relying on it for food, livelihoods, and identity. By expanding our marine protections, we ensure that future generations will inherit healthy oceans, thriving fisheries, and the cultural traditions that bind us to our home.”

Dan Crockett, Executive Director of Blue Marine, said: “The community of Juan Fernández , president Gabriel Boric and the Chilean government are to be hugely congratulated for this legal designation. As the world advances towards 2030, fully protected areas of this scale are critically important. If every country could do what Chile has, the world would be able to effectively protect far more than 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030.”

Blue Marine is kindly supported by Rituals 10% Profit Pledge. Blue Marine has worked in collaboration with Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, Island Conservation, Schmidt Ocean Institute and Fundación Patagonia Azul to support Organización Comunitaria Funcional Mar de Juan Fernández and the Juan Fernández community.