Chile Significantly Expands Marine Protection in Final Act of Boric Administration
Santiago, Chile – In a final push for environmental conservation, outgoing Chilean President Gabriel Boric signed a decree expanding the Nazca-Desventuradas and Mar de Juan Fernández marine parks, bringing the total protected marine area to 54% of Chile’s waters. This action, finalized in early March 2026, positions Chile among the top five countries globally in terms of ocean protection, safeguarding nearly 947,142 square kilometers of marine ecosystems.
Expanding Chile’s Marine Protected Areas
The decree, signed on March 11, 2026, adds approximately 360,000 square kilometers of ocean under strict protection . The expanded areas include the Mar de Juan Fernández II National Park, covering 193,998 square kilometers, and the Nazca-Desventuradas II National Park, spanning 143,323 square kilometers . These parks are located in the Valparaíso Region and protect archipelagos renowned for their unique biodiversity and high levels of endemism.
Unique Biodiversity and Ecosystem Value
The protected waters are home to a remarkable array of marine life. In the Juan Fernández archipelago, 87% of fish species are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth . Similarly, 72% of fish species in the Nazca Desventuradas Islands are endemic . The parks also provide crucial habitat for the Juan Fernández fur seal, lobster, whales, sharks, sea turtles, and various ocean bird species. Beneath the surface, ancient cold-water corals, hexactinellid sponges, and crinoid fields thrive on seamounts, creating a “hidden republic of life” .
Geopolitical Significance and Boric’s Legacy
President Boric’s decision underscores the importance of ocean sovereignty for Chile. Although protected land is often viewed as a moral or scientific issue in Latin America, Chile recognizes its strategic importance . This final environmental act aims to leave a lasting legacy beyond his term, particularly as Chile anticipates a shift towards a right-leaning government.
Boric’s Final Activities in Office
The signing of the decree occurred during a meeting with Environment Minister Maisa Rojas and the Mayor of the Juan Fernández archipelago, Pablo Manríquez . President Boric also led the inauguration of the 2026 school year at the Robinson Crusoe School and launched the 2026 Vaccination and Immunization Campaign from the Juan Fernández Rural Health Center , marking a busy final period in office.
This expansion of marine protection demonstrates Chile’s commitment to conservation and its role as a leader in ocean stewardship.