Neoliberalism and socio-spatial transformations in urban coves of the Metropolitan Area of Concepcion. The cases of Caleta Los Bagres and Caleta Cocholgue, Tome

The coves of Chile are coastal settlements focused on small-scale artisanal fishing. Currently, they coexist with larger urbanized systems-mega infrastructures, ports, cities, etc.-which generate tensions and threats to traditional socio-cultural, economic and habitability practices. The article explores these tensions, focusing on the cases of Los Bagres and Cocholgue in the municipality of Tome, Metropolitan Area of Concepcion. To do this, it proposes to understand the socio-spatial transformation processes of the coves, and their adaptation strategies to the effects of the neoliberal development model. The research methodology is qualitative, based on a combination of social and spatial analysis, incorporating information gathering techniques such as review of bibliographic sources, conducting semi-structured interviews, field survey, and information processing and analysis, based on to the organization of transformation processes and adaptation strategies, which are mapped and schematized. This evolution is organized in phases, accompanied by interpretation maps of urban growth. The results have allowed us to reflect on the fragilities of the creeks on two levels. First, in their internal configuration as places that combine life and work, because when the resource that gave birth to them is reduced, their sustainability is put at risk. Second, in its exposure to processes of invisibility or eradication, which describe the levels of their integration into urban environments. Finally, it has allowed us to reflect on the need to preserve and value their ways of life and the spaces that account for them, as a central part of the identity and sustainability of the coastal urban territories of the country.