On December 11, 2024, a significant step was achieved for the Chocó region: the expansion of the Exclusive Zone for Artisanal Fishing (ZEPA) in Bahía Solano and Juradó through Resolution 2668 of 2024, issued by the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Authority (AUNAP). This milestone, which comes four years after the State Council’s ruling 078 of 2020, acknowledges the rights of artisanal fishermen in the area and reinforces the Colombian government’s commitment to responsible fishing and food security in this region of the country.

The ZEPA expansion, which increases the area defined in 2013 by 40%, is the result of extensive collaborative work among local communities, institutions, and key allies such as FEDEPESCA, Community Councils, SIEMBRA, MarViva, and others. This joint effort not only addresses the need to ensure sustainable fishing but also aims to protect natural resources and marine species in one of the most biodiverse regions of the country. As a protected area, the ZEPA is crucial for preserving artisanal fishing and safeguarding marine megafauna, as it protects key areas for species reproduction and feeding.

This progress highlights the importance of balancing marine ecosystem conservation with the sustainability of the local economy, two fundamental pillars for food sovereignty in the region’s fishing communities. In this regard, MarViva continues to support the implementation of management measures to ensure that fishing practices are responsible and do not jeopardize marine biodiversity or the livelihoods of families who depend on this resource.

In addition to protecting the marine ecosystem, the ZEPA expansion has a positive impact on the social and economic fabric of the region. By ensuring the sustainability of fishing resources, it protects the income source of thousands of families who rely on artisanal fishing, improving their quality of life and contributing to strengthening local development. This measure also fosters greater community cohesion, as decisions regarding resource management are made collectively, with the involvement of fishermen and other local stakeholders.

With the expansion of the ZEPA, a firm step is taken toward a more sustainable future for current and future generations, while reaffirming the commitment to responsible fishing as a key driver for the economic and social development of Chocó’s fishing communities. This measure not only strengthens ecosystem protection but also serves as an example of how public policies, when implemented inclusively and participatively, can achieve positive outcomes for both the environment and society.