Protected areas are a proven tool for protecting biodiversity in terrestrial, coastal and marine systems. In the face of the serious global biodiversity crisis, a global consensus was reached on the need to protect 30% of each planetary ecosystem (Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework). It was also agreed that protected areas must be connected to ensure the flow of species and sustain the functioning of ecosystems (exchanges of matter and energy, among other aspects). They must be effectively managed, rather than a declaration of intent.
In recent decades, the Southern Cone countries have made significant progress in the creation of marine and coastal protected areas (MPAs). Chile declared the protection of 43% of its maritime territory, substantially surpassing the global goal. The other countries are a little behind: Argentina currently protects 8% of its sea and Uruguay less than 1%. The portion of the Patagonian Sea located in Brazil still lacks protection.
In addition, the current MPAs do not protect all the ecosystems of the Patagonian Sea and require improvements for their implementation to be effective, such as a larger budget and stable funding, more trained personnel, equipment and technology, and good interaction with other public services involved 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 habitat requirements are not sufficiently represented in the MPAs. Key productive fronts, which sustain the diversity of a large part of the Patagonian Sea (such as the slope front) are severely threatened and unprotected.
Climate change is already causing once unimaginable changes in the sea, from rising temperature to changes in ocean currents. This brings with it alterations in species distribution patterns, making area-based marine conservation solutions even more complex.
Efforts need to be amplified, at an appropriate speed and with the participation of all relevant stakeholders, to ensure the survival of key species and ecosystems in the Patagonian Sea and its areas of influence.
The Lighthouses of the Patagonian Sea are a selection of coastal-marine and oceanic areas with outstanding ecological and oceanographic conditions. They are habitats of high value for the conservation of biodiversity, particularly endemic or threatened species. They are relevant to the structural and ecological functionality of the Forum’s target ecosystem. Their conservation has economic, aesthetic, cultural and spiritual importance. These lighthouses have inspired the creation of several marine protected areas in recent years.
Together with governments, scientists, communities and the private sector, we work on the following axes:
We encourage balanced representation of all ecological regions within MPAs systems. With the support of 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 of all levels and jurisdictions.
We support the diagnosis of management effectiveness of coastal marine areas and the design of management measurement tools. We support the development and application of marine biodiversity monitoring protocols and methodologies. We assist and participate in management planning and financial sustainability diagnostics. We collaborate in the articulation 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 Forum organizations.
