Circular and regenerative mussel farming: Cochamó advances industrial activity in territorial practices
July 5th, 2023
Framed in the Pact for a Sustainable and Inclusive Region, the first seminar on Challenges of mussel farming was held in the commune of Cochamó. The activity had the participation of local mussel farmers, the Regional Government and actors from the private world who work for circular and regenerative solutions for this important industry.
This Wednesday, June 28, the first seminar was held: Challenges of mussel farming in the commune of Cochamó in the municipal gym. Mussel farmers from the commune participated in the activity, as well as other agents from Cochamó linked to territorial development, within the framework of the circular and regenerative Mussel Farming Program, promoted by the Regional Government through the Pact for a Sustainable and Inclusive Region of the region of The lakes.
The meeting’s objective was to create a training space around associated ecosystems remediation challenges with aquaculture and circular solutions in mussel farming from a territorial approach.
Organized by GORE in conjunction with local mussel farmers and Cochamó Municipality, the event was attended by Alex Godoy, visiting researcher at Harvard University International Affairs Weatherhead Center. The researcher together with Paulo Jorquera, Environmental Engineer, ChucaoTec remediation manager and expert in aquaculture environmental regulatory matters and Dr. Pablo Leal, Specialist in macroalgae physiology from Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) participated in “Challenges in remediation of ecosystems associated with aquaculture” panel. Meanwhile, Iván Kripeos, Atando Cabos southern area operations manager Carlos Aubert from Karün, were in charge of exposing circular solutions in mussel farming from a territorial approach, in the second conversation panel.
These instances rise to reflection on the articulations and the importance of the work that is done in an articulated way for communes development .
For Patricio Vallespín Regional Governor: “The objective is to be able to implement a program within the framework of the Pact for a sustainable and inclusive region to develop and strengthen productive capacities of the small mussel industry in the Los Lagos region, through the accompaniment technique to promote the productive development of triple impact, social, environmental and economic”.
Meanwhile, Silverio Morales Cochamó’s mayor, recognized the importance of mussel farming as an economic development source for the commune. However, he emphasizes that mussel farmers take care of the environment with responsibility and commitment: “The mussel farmer is aware of the importance of caring for the estuary, because it is the source of life for this entire place. You have to keep the sea pristine and take care of it sacredly. The mussel farmers are interested and take responsibility for keeping the environment as free of contamination as possible”.
For his part, from IFOP, Dr. Francisco Cárcamo, Repopulation and Cultivation Department Head, highlights the relevance of recognizing physical and social environments in economic activities. In this sense, he adds: “When we talk about sustainability over time, it is necessary to add elements such as care for the environment where it develops, as well as elements such as circularity and regeneration. For this reason, these instances allow the opening of collaboration spaces and that mussel farmers can adopt new practices and make their activity sustainable in the future”.
For Mayling Yuen, co-founder and coordinator for Chile of “La ciudad posible”, a foundation that, together with Reversible, supports the program management, this opportunity is beneficial to think about the next steps for mussel farming in the region. “We are sure that this economic activity sustainable growth will allow us to penetrate larger markets by complying with sustainability, circularity and regeneration standards, which increase its competitiveness, and in turn reduce the negative impacts on its natural and social environment.”
The meeting closed with the construction of challenges and opportunities for the sustainable development of mussel farming together with the community, where the mussel farmers valued the possibility of generating spaces for the development of best practices for the sector, making the link with the community an ally. not only for the commune, but for the benefit of local aquaculture.