Protected areas are a proven tool for protecting biodiversity in terrestrial, coastal, and marine systems. In the face of the severe global biodiversity crisis, a global consensus has been reached on the need to protect 30% of each ecosystem on the planet (Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework). It has also been agreed that protected areas must be interconnected to ensure the flow of species and sustain ecosystem functionality (such as the exchange of matter and energy, among other aspects). They must be effectively managed rather than serving as mere declarations of intent.
In recent decades, Southern Cone countries have made significant progress in the creation of marine and coastal protected areas (MPAs). Chile has declared protection for 43% of its maritime territory, substantially exceeding the global target. The other countries are somewhat behind: Argentina currently protects 8% of its marine area, and Uruguay less than 1%. The portion of the Patagonian Sea located in Brazil remains unprotected.
Additionally, existing MPAs do not yet safeguard all ecosystems of the Patagonian Sea and require improvements to ensure their effective implementation. These include increased budgets and stable financing, more trained personnel, adequate equipment and technology, and better coordination with other public services that have a role in marine governance.
The most threatened marine species (according to the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature) or those with high mobility and specific habitat requirements are not sufficiently represented in MPAs. Key productive fronts that support much of the Patagonian Sea’s biodiversity, such as the slope front, are severely threatened and unprotected.
Climate change is already causing previously unimaginable changes in the ocean, from rising temperatures to shifts in ocean currents. This leads to alterations in species distribution patterns, further complicating marine conservation solutions based on protected areas.
Efforts must be significantly scaled up—at an appropriate pace and with the participation of all relevant stakeholders—to ensure the survival of key species and ecosystems in the Patagonian Sea and its surrounding areas.
The Lighthouses of the Patagonian Sea are a selection of coastal-marine and oceanic areas that meet outstanding ecological and oceanographic conditions. They are habitats of high value for biodiversity conservation, particularly for endemic or threatened species. They are important in terms of the structural and ecological functionality of the ecosystem targeted by the Forum. Their conservation holds economic, aesthetic, cultural, and spiritual significance. These lighthouses have inspired the creation of several protected marine areas in recent years.
Together with governments, scientists, communities, and the private sector, we work on the following key areas:
We promote the balanced representation of all ecological regions within MPA systems. Using the best available science, we identify marine bioregions, gaps, needs, and conservation priorities. We support and provide technical advice to governments for the creation of marine and coastal protected areas at all levels and jurisdictions.
We support the management effectiveness assessments of coastal and marine areas and the design of management measurement tools. We assist in the development and application of monitoring protocols and methodologies for marine biodiversity. We contribute to the planning of management and sustainability assessments. We collaborate in the coordination of governance processes among stakeholders, assisting in the facilitation and systematization of procedures and agreements. We promote initiatives for the development and strengthening of capacities for the effective management of MPAs.
Based on species distribution and migration patterns, and considering the effects of climate change, we analyze connectivity gaps and propose the integration of marine protected area systems and corridors into ecological networks.
This line of action is implemented by the following organizations of the Forum.
Foro
Por miembros, financiamiento, donaciones, o ante cualquier consulta por favor comuníquese con:
Andrea Michelson, Coordinadora
© 2025 Foro para la Conservación del Mar Patagónico y Áreas de Influencia.
