Chile Suspends Expansion of Two Major Marine Parks for Review
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A decree creating two new marine parks covering 337,000 square kilometers has been suspended for six weeks. The suspension, announced by President José Antonio Kast, is part of a routine review of environmental measures signed by the previous administration. The parks would have granted the highest level of marine protection, prohibiting all extractive activities.
Facts First
- A decree creating two new marine parks has been suspended for six weeks by President José Antonio Kast.
- The parks would protect approximately 337,000 square kilometers of ocean, covering about 10% of Chile's exclusive economic zone.
- The decree grants the highest level of marine protection, permitting only scientific research and tourism while prohibiting all extractive activities, including fishing.
- Artisanal fishing is permitted in the multiple-use coastal marine area surrounding the Juan Fernández archipelago.
- Chile's Environment Ministry stated the suspension is part of a routine review of measures signed by the previous administration.
What Happened
President José Antonio Kast suspended a decree on his first day in office that had created two new marine parks, Juan Fernández II and Nazca-Desventuradas II. The decree was signed by former President Gabriel Boric on March 10, his final day in office. The suspension is for six weeks and affects protections for approximately 337,000 square kilometers (130,000 square miles) of ocean. Chile’s Environment Ministry stated the suspension is part of a routine review of environmental measures.
Why this Matters to You
If you are involved in scientific research, tourism, or fishing in these areas, your activities may be directly affected by this review. The decree had established the highest levels of marine protection, which would have prohibited all extractive activities, including all types of fishing, while permitting only scientific research and tourism. The outcome of the review could determine whether these strict protections are reinstated or modified, potentially impacting access to these ocean areas and the management of marine resources.
What's Next
The suspension is set for six weeks, during which the decree will be reviewed. The review may lead to the reinstatement of the parks, modifications to the protected areas or their rules, or a further extension of the suspension. The final decision will determine the long-term protection status for approximately 10% of Chile's exclusive economic zone.