The Costa Adeje Tourist Development Centre hosted the second round table of the International Sustainability ASG, Blue Economy and Circular Economy series on Tuesday. The focus was on the role of ocean policies as a key tool for sustainable development, particularly in island territories.
The meeting brought toreceiveher international and national experts from scientific, political, and environmental fields. It provided a platform for sharing experiences and knowledge on marine protection, governance of ocean resources, and economic opportunities related to the sea.
Insights from Chilean Representatives
Among the participants were representatives from Chile, who shared their experiences in large-scale marine conservation. Julio Chamorro, president of the Council of the Sea of the Juan Fernández archipelago, highlighted the essential role of local communities in managing and protecting ecosystems. He emphasised decades of artisanal fishing practices in balance with the environment.
Former Chilean senator Ricardo Lagos Weber addressed the role of public institutions in advancing ocean protection policies. He underscored the importance of collaboration between administrations and communities to solidify progress in conservation.
Recent Milestones in Marine Protection
International policy expert Max Bello explained one of the recent significant milestones in marine protection: the expansion of protected areas in the Juan Fernández archipelago, covering nearly one million square kilometres. This initiative positions Chile as a global leader, with over 50% of its waters under some form of protection, exceeding international commitments defined by the United Nations.
During the debate, it was noted that the extent of protected areas is not the only relevant factor; the quality of such protection is equally important. Concerns were raised about the situation in Europe and Spain, where, despite officially reaching near 30% protection goals, less than 1% of the waters have effective measures in place. This limitation reduces the actual impact on the recovery of marine ecosystems.
Challenges and Opportunities
Researcher César Bordehore provided a scientific perspective on current challenges, indicating issues such as the overexploitation of marine resources, largely linked to economic and political dynamics that do not always prioritise long-term sustainability.
The round table also focapplyd on the strategic role of island territories. It was highlighted that islands, due to their ecological and cultural characteristics, are becoming key areas for the development of innovative marine governance models. Protecting the ocean directly contributes to quality of life, local identity, and economic sustainability.
Future Collaborations
In this context, similarities between the Juan Fernández archipelago and the Canary Islands were underscored, suggesting potential opportunities for learning and future collaborations. Speakers agreed that strengthening marine protection could be pivotal for consolidating the blue economy in the Canary archipelago.
The session, moderated by underwater photographer Francis Pérez, also addressed issues such as responsible tourism, jobs linked to marine environments, and the necessity of involving civil society in ocean conservation.
This meeting is part of a broader programme aimed at fostering dialogue between sectors and promoting sustainable solutions for current environmental challenges, with particular attention to the island and coastal realities of the Canary Islands. The event is organised by Farra Events, sponsored by the Government of the Canary Islands and the Adeje City Council, in collaboration with the Environmental Area of the Tenerife Cabildo.
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