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The Aysén region is in the middle of a controversy that pits the interests of indigenous communities against the powerful salmon industry. At the center of the dispute are the 600 thousand marine hectares proposed to be managed by indigenous peoples through the Coastal Marine Spaces of Native Peoples (ECMPO).
Recently, the Regional Commission for the Use of the Coastal Edge of Aysén rejected the creation of two ECMPOs requested by indigenous peoples on the Huichas and Cisnes islands. This rejection occurred in the midst of an intense misinformation campaign led by the salmon industry, which has tried to influence against the delivery of coastal administration to these communities.
Environmental organizations have denounced this misinformation campaign, pointing out that the ECMPO would not affect the salmon concessions already granted. In addition, they have highlighted the illegalities and environmental damage generated by some salmon companies in the region. According to a report by the Terram foundation, several of these companies face sanctioning processes for overproduction and other practices that have affected marine biodiversity.
The ECMPOs, established by the Lafkenche Law, seek to hand over the administration of maritime territories to indigenous communities that demonstrate ancestral use of these spaces. These communities must present management plans to guarantee the conservation of biodiversity, being evaluated every two years. If biodiversity is affected, communities may lose management.
Despite the salmon industry’s efforts to discredit the indigenous communities that request ECMPOs, these spaces have been recognized as a valuable tool for coastal management and conservation of marine biodiversity. It is important to note that ECMPOs do not grant ownership to communities, unlike concessions.
The battle over coastal administration in Aysén reflects a broader conflict between industrial development and environmental conservation, as well as between the rights of indigenous communities and economic interests. Ultimately, the outcome of this dispute will have a significant impact on the preservation of marine ecosystems and the protection of traditional ways of life of local communities.
