As one of the major annual milestones of the TURF-Reserve Program, and following the success of the 2023 and 2024 editions, this year the International TURF-Reserves Meeting will hold its third edition, seeking to promote exchange and collaboration among fishing communities, authorities, public institutions, civil society organizations and scientific institutions.
The event, supported by BHP Foundation, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Chile and the SECOS Millennium Institute in Coastal Socio-Ecology, along with the artisanal fishing groups in the TURF-Reserve Program, will take place on October 21, 22 and 23, 2025, at Casa Lagunita, Maitencillo, in the Puchuncaví district.
It is a key space for dialogue and collective work in support of Voluntary Protection Zones (the legal figure under which the Benthic Law recognizes TURF-Reserves), and this time the thematic focus will be on public policy; biodiversity science and monitoring; a gender approach; and scaling up.
The success of the TURF-Reserve model lies in its collaborative spirit. The aim is to strengthen participation and exchange among a wide range of actors, and now it is time to bring in more and new voices. That is why the meeting will open its doors to the public with spots for direct participation.
If you work with artisanal fishing groups, are part of a coastal community or are interested in protecting our marine ecosystems, this is your chance! Your experience and vision are essential to keep moving forward in the management and development of these valuable community-led marine conservation spaces.
“Collaboration and the participation of coastal communities and the public are a key element of the TURF-Reserve model. The decision to open these 10 spots for the first time is a crucial step: it seeks to ensure that the Meeting is a true space for dialogue that brings together all the voices building marine conservation from a community perspective. The community’s voice is what gives TURF-Reserves life and long-term sustainability, as they are a collective effort for the benefit of ecosystems and human well-being,” explained Rodrigo Sánchez Grez, Executive Director of Capital Azul Foundation.
What do the open spots include?
The spots are designed to encourage active participation during the three days of the event and include lunch and coffee breaks on all three days of the Meeting. On Tuesday, October 21, and Wednesday, October 22, the schedule will be 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., while on Thursday, October 23, it will be 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (lunch not included that day).
Apply and secure your spot!
Since the number of spots is limited, you need to complete a short application form.
Follow these three steps:
- Open the form: click this link (form in Spanish).
- Fill out the form: provide the requested information and tell us why you want to take part, highlighting your connection with coastal communities or marine conservation.
- Wait for confirmation: once all applications have been reviewed, we will contact the selected applicants to confirm their attendance.
Hurry! The application deadline is Wednesday, October 15.
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