Including traditional knowledge in coastal policymaking: Yaldad bay (Chiloé, southern Chile) as a case study

In this article, we describe the perception and identification of ecosystem services (ES) by people from traditional cultures (Huilliches) living in the Yaldad bay (Chiloé, southern Chile). We analyzed the temporal changes of ES through their description by children, their parents’ memories, and current perceptions. We conducted the analysis using a transdisciplinary approach, employing four methods (qualitative: children’s cognitive cartography, teacher’s survey, parent’s focus group, and quantitative: a social-ecological survey). Results show a loss of cultural services in the adults and the perception that natural resources are scarcer than five years ago. We discuss our findings in terms of current Chilean coastal zone policies, proposing that although there have been some advances, they still are insufficient to ensure a contextual socio-cultural development in coastal areas of southern Chile.