National Ocean Policy

On Friday, March 9, the National Ocean Policy was enacted. Aside from its publication on the websites of the participating institutions and in some digital media, this news received little coverage. Perhaps its proximity to the change of command overshadowed it, or it may reflect the limited importance that Chile places on the sea. Chile did not have a state policy for its ocean and all that this entails. It was the result of teamwork among the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Economy, and Environment, with the support of the Navy, which was invited to participate in the drafting of this document, along with consultations conducted with interested organizations. Great credit goes to Heraldo Muñoz, who led the committee of ministers.

The importance of an ocean policy lies in its explicit articulation of national maritime interests and its capacity to develop them. Chile has the tenth largest exclusive economic zone in the world, a coastline of 4,300 kilometers, insular territories, and a natural projection toward the Pacific, where some of our most important trading partners are located. We have marine protected areas equivalent to 43% of our exclusive economic zone and are making efforts to protect our sea. The maritime territory over which we have sovereign rights and jurisdiction is 4.5 times the size of our land area, reaching 35 times if we consider the maritime spaces where we have search and rescue responsibilities. Perhaps it is time to look to the Pacific. The implementation of the Ocean Policy will be carried out through an ocean program and will be executed via sectoral actions. Good practice indicates that it is necessary to have an agency responsible for ensuring the coordination of efforts among the related ministries and agencies. The Colombian Ocean Commission is a good example to follow.

RICHARD KOUYOUMDJIAN INGLIS