We work to strengthen the climate resilience of coastal and marine ecosystems in the Southern Cone and the communities that depend on them by 2030.
The seas of the Southern Cone are among the most productive marine ecosystems on the planet and host unique biodiversity of global importance. Their waters support significant populations of seabirds, marine mammals, fish, and a wide diversity of organisms that form complex food webs.
At the same time, these seas play a fundamental role for numerous coastal communities and marine-related economic activities. Strengthening the resilience of these ecosystems and the people who depend on them is therefore a strategic priority.
The conservation and effective management of ecosystems —particularly Coastal and Marine Protected Areas— contribute to strengthening their adaptive capacity while supporting human well-being.
The Resilient Patagonian Sea Program is a collaborative regional initiative focused on research and technical assistance, aimed at strengthening the resilience of the marine-coastal ecosystems of the Patagonian Sea and the communities that depend on them.
Through applied research, technical support for the management of protected areas and species, and participatory processes, the program seeks to support the adaptation of coastal and marine ecosystems in response to increasing climate variability and other environmental changes.
Actions are implemented across different coastal and marine demonstration sites in Argentina and Chile, with the potential to expand implementation to Brazil and Uruguay in the medium term.
The Program integrates applied research, technical assistance, and participatory processes through the following strategic areas:
We co-develop technical contributions to strengthen MPA management in the face of changing environmental scenarios, incorporating scientific knowledge into planning processes and effective implementation.
We improve knowledge of the dynamics of species with key ecological roles and support the development of conservation strategies in response to changes in distribution, abundance, and behavior.
We provide technical support for the effective conservation and improved management of southern Patagonian peatlands —key ecosystems for climate regulation and carbon storage.
We facilitate dialogue spaces, knowledge exchange, and capacity strengthening to contribute to participatory governance processes for coastal and marine protected areas.
We support the development of innovative financing mechanisms to strengthen the sustainability of conservation actions and ensure adaptive systems capable of responding to environmental changes.
Through knowledge exchange and collaboration among scientific, institutional, and local stakeholders, the program seeks to generate replicable demonstration experiences across marine and coastal areas of the Southern Cone.
Through this form, you can submit a complaint, concern, or suggestion regarding activities developed under the Resilient Patagonian Sea Program of the Patagonian Sea and Areas of Influence Conservation Forum.
We value your contribution and ensure confidential and responsible handling of the information provided.
Actions are driven by member organizations of the Forum.
Santiago Krapovickas
Coordinador General del Programa
skrapovickas@wcs.org
It was developed between 2023 and 2026 with financial support from the European Union.
