In the beautiful region of Aysén, surrounded by the majesty of its seascapes, a battle is being fought that goes beyond the waters that bathe its coasts. At the heart of this dispute is an ancient conflict between the rights of indigenous communities and the voracious interests of the salmon industry.
At the center of the dispute are the requests for Coastal Marine Spaces of Native Peoples (ECMPO) for the Huichas and Cisnes Islands. These requests, presented by the indigenous communities of Aysén, seek to ensure legitimate and sustainable access to marine resources, a prerogative rooted in their ancient culture and traditions.
However, the salmon industry has mounted fierce opposition to these requests, unleashing a systematic campaign to undermine the legitimate rights of indigenous communities. This offensive has not only involved labor unions and opposition politicians, but has also reached levels of disqualification and personal threats, even reaching the limit of racism.
Faced with this onslaught, eighteen organizations and leaders of Aysén, supported by more than 40 endorsements from national entities, have raised their voices in a public statement. In it, they demystify the fallacious accusations of the salmon industry, which seeks to sow fear by arguing that the approval of the ECMPOs would exclude other productive activities.
It is important to understand that the process for approving ECMPOs is regulated by Law No. 20,249 and its regulations, a procedure that indigenous communities have diligently followed for more than a decade. These spaces do not constitute an exclusive property right, as has been falsely proclaimed, but are a marine conservation tool that recognizes and respects other uses of the marine environment, including artisanal fishing.
It is crucial to highlight that ECMPOs’ applications have fully respected previous aquaculture concessions, guaranteeing the coexistence of various activities in harmony with the marine ecosystem. Furthermore, the fundamental role of artisanal fishing has been recognized and highlighted, both in current legislation and in reports of customary use.
In this context, it is essential to show solidarity with the indigenous communities of Aysén, who are being subjected to a smear campaign based on misinformation and manipulation of facts. We must strongly reject any attempt to undermine their rights and recognize their legitimate struggle for the common good and the sustainability of our marine resources.
Ultimately, this battle goes beyond the waters of Aysén; It is a fight for justice, equity and respect for the fundamental rights of indigenous peoples. It is time to stand up for those who have been historically marginalized and ensure a future where all voices are heard and all rights are respected in equal measure.
