Behind the scene of the creation of the new UNESCO Blue Patagonia Biosphere Reserve

REYES, LAURA MARINA; BOERSMA, DEE; CALONI, NICOLAS; GARCÍA BORBOROGLU, PABLO; PAURA, FERNANDA; FRATTO, VICTOR; GIACCARDI, MARICEL; MARIA EVA GONGORA

La Serena

Congreso; International Marine Protected Areas Congress 4; 2017

Gobierno de Chile

A Biosphere Reserve (BR) is an area designated by UNESCO to demonstrate innovative approaches to sustainable development where scientific knowledge and governance can reduce biodiversity loss, improve livelihoods and enhance social, economic and cultural values. The world network of BR includes 631 reserves in 119 countries, with only 15 in Argentina. The ?Blue Patagonia Biosphere Reserve? designated in late 2015 includes 3.1 million hectares and is the largest one in the country (60% marine waters). It is located between 43º40´S and 45º35´S along 300 km of the Argentinean coast and its continental shelf. Within a high scenic value area, with almost 50 islands, peninsulas, bays and capes there are more than 60 locations with up to seven seabird species breeding together. Twenty colonies of Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus), including the world?s largest one, is found within this Reserve. It includes more than 1 million adult penguins, representing almost 40% of the global populations. Sixty-seven coastal and seabird species breed in the area, including three cormorant species (Phalacrocorax spp.), 3 seagull species (Larus spp.) 3 terns (Sterna spp.), southern giant petrel (Macronectes giganteus), plovers and sandpipers (Calidris spp., Tringa spp.), and entire breeding area for the White-headed Steamerduck (Tachyeres leucocephalus). BR also includes 36 marine mammal species, 65 terrestrial birds, 31 terrestrial mammals, 83 fishes, 130 seaweeds, and 197 invertebrates. The Global Penguin Society fostered this initiative and worked with the Government to design and formalize its nomination. This BR is divided in three main zones: 1) Three Core areas for conservation, monitoring and non-destructive research that includes the world largest Magellanic penguin colony at Punta Tombo and the first National Marine Park of Argentina; 2) Buffer zones surrounding the core areas and 3) Transition areas are designated for activities to sustainably manage the area?s resources. The BR set a new standard for marine and coastal conservation in Argentina and seabirds are one of the main beneficiaries.