Toward social-ecological coastal zone governance of Chiloe Island (Chile) based on the DPSIR framework

Coastal zones are complex systems where sustainability needs local participative governance, whose absence may result in conflicts between social actors. In its absence, the first step should be a diagnosis of the current situation based on integrative conceptual frameworks such as the DPSIR. However, in conflicting situations, the generated model needs validation from social actors. Chiloe Island is a critical Chilean coastal fishery and aquaculture area, coexisting with subsistence and cultural uses of marine resources. This article analyzes the current ecological state of the Chiloe coastal zone and its main social-ecological impact using aDPSIR model. Wevalidated its results through a household survey and interviewswith local experts and social actors. Results show that increased coastal fisheries and aquaculture generate a critical decrease of coastal species, eutrophication, and pollution that, alongwithharmful algal blooms, generate conflicts. Social validation showed that experts and local social actors have different perceptions of conflicting parties and conflict solutions. Following a post-normal approach, we propose three ideas to start social-ecological governance of Chiloe coastal marine ecosystems. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The article discusses the ecological state and social-ecological impact of the Chiloe coastal zone, emphasizing the importance of sustainable governance. The study found that increased coastal fisheries and aquaculture have led to serious ecological problems and conflicts, with social validation highlighting differences in perceptions among stakeholders.