In a remarkable move just before leaving office, former Chilean President Gabriel Boric enacted significant protections for the remote Juan Fernández Archipelago, along with a vast expanse of the surrounding ocean.
This new legislation links the archipelago with the existing Nazca-Desventuradas marine parks, resulting in an impressive protected area totaling 386,000 square miles—an expanse comparable to the size of Venezuela, which represents 50% of Chile’s territorial waters.
This expansive marine sanctuary is a vibrant habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including whales, dolphins, turtles, spiny lobsters, octopuses, and the charming Juan Fernández fur seal. Additionally, it features a stunning underwater mountain range and is home to various seabirds. This initiative has now made it the third-largest marine protected area globally.
Chile has consistently championed the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, safeguarding approximately 180,000 square miles of ocean prior to this new designation. The local islanders of Juan Fernández collaborated with both national and international NGOs to advocate for these essential protections.
Mayor Pablo Manríquez Angulo of Robinson Crusoe Island expressed the significance of this initiative, stating, “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.”
As Boric concluded his presidency on March 11, he left behind a powerful legacy amidst challenges, with this new marine park around the Juan Fernández Archipelago highlighting his commitment to environmental preservation.
Dan Crockett, Executive Director of the Blue Marine Foundation, praised the efforts, stating, “The community of Juan Fernández, President Gabriel Boric, and the Chilean government deserve immense congratulations for this legal designation. As we progress towards 2030, fully protected areas of this magnitude are critically important.”
Let’s celebrate this enormous new marine reserve surrounding Chile’s Pacific Islands and the positive impact it will have on both the environment and the local community!
