We have been promoting the strengthening of the capacities of professionals in charge of managing marine protected areas in the Southern Cone and other countries, to improve the effective management of conservation units, in preparation for competence certification. We carry out this work through partnerships with universities and protected area systems in the region.
It is recognized that capacity building for the management of protected areas is essential to achieving conservation objectives. For over 20 years, there has been a global debate on the need to improve the capabilities of staff working in protected areas, both in the field and at the management level. In the Southern Cone, this is particularly important for the marine environment, where there is less experience compared to terrestrial ecosystems. In the region, in the last decade, hundreds of thousands of marine kilometers have been added to national, provincial, or regional protection systems. However, this expansion has rarely been accompanied by an increase in specialized staff, nor by the professionalization of the workforce. This situation has a direct correlation with how effectively an area can be managed. It is necessary to have trained personnel with the tools for effective management and adaptive management of MPAs in order to achieve biodiversity conservation results and sustainable development in the medium term, especially considering the impacts on oceans due to climate change.
A 2020 study analyzed 2,167 protected areas (terrestrial) worldwide and found that only 22.4% of these had sufficient staff and budget. The analysis suggests that investment over the past 20 years has simply kept pace with the expansion in area and has not improved per unit of area. The marine case may have less promising statistics.
Increasing staff is not a sufficient condition for effective area management; the staff must have the appropriate competencies for management. We understand competencies as the ability to know (theoretical knowledge), do (practical skills), and be (attitudinal qualities).
Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Southern Brazil share common challenges and needs. An integrated training framework is efficient and makes an impact at a scale appropriate for the unique characteristics of the temperate seas of the Southern Cone, which need to be approached dynamically, with an adaptive and regional focus.
Together with national, provincial, and/or regional government sectors and the academic sector, we work on the following areas:
We develop courses to strengthen nine previously identified competencies (Governance, Management Effectiveness Evaluation, Project Management, Management Plan Design, Partnership Generation, Support for Plan Implementation, Species and Habitat Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Planning, Operational Planning).
We promote the design and subsequent implementation of a formal diploma program, in partnership with the Protected Areas and Communities Academy of the Universidad Austral de Chile.
Participants from the various courses at the School have come together in a community of practice, made up of around 60 professionals. This group maintains regular exchanges of learning and reflection.
Courses
Six courses aimed at competency development.
MPAs benefited
More than 40 MPAs benefited from the development of proposals to improve their effective and progressive implementation.
Trained management responsible individuals
More than 50 individuals responsible for management, administration, planning, and/or supervision of MPAs in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil trained. Starting in 2022, the scope is expanded to include 6 additional countries in the Southern Cone and 10 Atlantic coast countries, including Europe.
Strengthened public institutions
More than 15 public institutions strengthened in relation to marine conservation practices.
Learning network
A learning network for collaboration and integration among professionals from Southern Cone countries, promoting horizontal and cross-learning beyond formal courses.
We coordinate the experience and efforts of numerous organizations with a track record in conservation, research, education, and marine environmental management in Latin America.
FUNDING
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.
