In response to the need to improve the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), in 2017 the Forum for the Conservation of the Patagonian Sea and Areas of Influence coordinated the efforts of public, private and civil society organizations to implement the ” Pilot Course on MPA Management of the Southern Cone”, aimed at strengthening the capacity of site managers in Chile, Argentina and Uruguay. This summary report highlights the main lessons learned that can be applied to the organization of future courses and the planning of a training initiative that will last over time.