WCPA Marine and moving forward

We asked Felipe about his motivation and goals for the marine arm of WCPA: 

I have been involved in marine conservation in all my previous positions. What drives me is the sustainable use and the conservation of the oceans. You can do that from many perspectives, from a small group of people acting locally, a global NGO, the government, international agencies, and many others. In all, we can do something, which is the important thing, being active and doing things. 

What that motivates is moving forward the MPA agenda at a global scale, especially in regions and countries with low representation in the MPA global network.

This challenge, to ultimately have an effectively managed MPA network, should include the best available science, the commitment of governments, the support of the civil society and adequate financial mechanisms.

Despite the MPA agenda increasing in importance and the ocean surface under protection growing, there are many countries particularly in the developing world that need special support, that should be our priority for the next years. 

Coming from Chile, a remote developing country, I know first hand the challenges to designate and implement MPAs, but also know that is not an impossible task. 

In addition, MPAs should transition to higher levels of implementation and human uses restrictions, as recent scientific findings recommend. Alternative forms of ocean protection, such as OECM, should be defined and promoted globally. In the high seas, roughly two thirds of the oceans, the current negotiations at the UN should define comprehensive legal mechanism to protect high seas marine life, connecting the oceans in a global MPA network.

I find this position attractive for several reasons.

First and foremost, I am excited to join a prestigious organization, working with a diverse group of global leaders.

Second, I am interested in contributing to the conservation of the oceans by connecting experts and practitioners of MPAs.

Finally, I deeply share the mandate of IUCN and WCPA, about driving policy, the application of best science, working with people committed to marine conservation.

Felipe's background

He is currently the National Coordinator of the Marine Protected Areas of the Chilean Ministry of Environment, a MPA systems that covers more than 43% of the Chilean oceans.

He has extensive experience in marine protected areas, leading the designation, planning and implementation processes of MPAs in Rapa Nui, Juan Fernandez and Chilean Patagonia, among others, and coordinating the National MPA committee of Chile. Also he leads a GEF project on marine and coastal ecosystems governance.

In 2017, he organised the 4^th International Marine Protected Areas Congress IMPAC4 in La Serena, Chile and today coordinates the CPPS Southeast Pacific MPA working group.

In 2019 he coordinated the marine theme of IUCN´s 3^rd Latin American and Caribbean Protected Areas Congress III CAPLAC in Lima, Perú.

Felipe is a marine biologist from the University of Valparaiso, Master in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island, and PhD in Marine Biology from the University of Maine.