The Patagonian Archipelagos
SUMMARY
In the Patagonian Archipelagos of the Aysen region in Chilean Patagonia, CIEP with the support of the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the National Fund for Science and Technology CONICYT (Regional Center Project R10C1003) sought to support the tourism development of the Aysen coastline to benefit the socio-economic growth of local communities and the conservation of ecosystems of high fragility and regional and global importance.
NAME
Center for Research on Patagonian Ecosystems – Universidad Austral de Chile
WEB SITE
http://www.ciep.cl
http://www.turismocientifico.cl
ADDRESS
Coyhaique, Aysén Region, Chile.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RESPONSIBLE ENTITY
University Research Center
CONTACT E-MAIL ADDRESS
fabienbourlon@ciep.cl
NAMES IN CHARGE OF THE PROJECT AND POSITION
- Fabien Bourlon, Researcher and Project Director.
- María Josefina Ruiz, Project Coordinator.
- Dinelly Soto, Communications Officer.
PROJECT NAME
The Patagonian Archipelagos, International Destination for Scientific Tourism.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT ENTITIES
Inter-American Development Bank IDB and Multilateral Investment Fund MIF, Center for Research in Patagonian Ecosystems and Universidad Austral de Chile with funds from CONICYT and the Regional Government of Aysén and SERNATUR Aysén.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION (Region, Province, Commune)
Communes of Cisnes, Las Guaítecas, Aysén, Rio Ibáñez, Chile Chico, Cochrane, Tortel and V, Aysén Region, Chile.
FIELD OF SCIENTIFIC STUDIES INVOLVED
Earth and Space Sciences, Geography, HISTORY, LIFE SCIENCES, Anthropology.
ASSOCIATED ENTITIES
- ASSOCIATED COMPANIES:
100 tourism companies and local organizations. - ASSOCIATED SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZATIONS:
Universidad Austral de Chile, Center for Research in Patagonian Ecosystems, University of Grenoble, Aumen, History and Geography Society, Universidad Arturo Prat, Ornithology Society of Chile, etc…. - OTHER PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS:
National Tourism Service of Aysén, National Forestry Corporation, Illustrious Municipalities of Cisnes and Tortel, Aysén Region.
EXECUTION DATES
Start: December 2012
Completion: April 2016
Duration: 40 months
RESULTS IN TERMS OF EDUCATION, PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND CULTURAL TRIPS.
Thematic and field guides, knowledge posters, training workshops for local stakeholders, municipalities, schools and tourism operators.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The project sought to promote the Patagonian Archipelagos as a destination for scientific tourism, valuing and increasing the knowledge of their ecosystems, transforming it into the primary resource for the creation of economically viable, socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable tourism products.
BENEFICIARIES, PARTNERS AND OTHERS INVOLVED, AND HOW THEY PARTICIPATE IN THE PROJECT
103 tourism stakeholders, municipalities, guides and park rangers.
RESULTS FOR SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE
Field research reports (Istmo de Ofqui Report 2014) and 23 knowledge sheets validated by scientists, exploratory trips to natural, historical and archaeological sites.
NEWS OF THE INITIATIVE
RESOURCES MADE AVAILABLE TO PARTNER INSTITUTIONS FOR THE PROJECT
- Human resources: CIEP team and contracted through the IDB-MIF fund.
- Resources for travel and field activities for scientific explorations.
- Technical and logistical assistance: contracting of scientific advisors from national and international universities.
- Training programs: on scientific topics, sustainable tourism and conservation.
- Preparation of materials to promote the destination.
- Purchase of equipment for field activities.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES REQUIRED FOR THE PROJECT AND SPECIFIC ACTIONS
Continuity fund for the coordination of the Stakeholder Network. There are two initiatives that continue the work of encouraging scientific tourism networks:
- Aysén Regional Museum Project, Scientific Routes.
- Patagonia Mar y Tierra Project, Aumén Organization and PEW Foundation.
- Conservation and Tourism Project of the University of Aysén and PEW Foundation.
RESOURCES PROVIDED BY PARTNER AGENCIES
IDB-MIF Fund US$ 560,000 and contributions valued and from CIEP and associated projects.