Toward social-ecological coastal zone governance of Chiloé Island (Chile) based on the DPSIR framework

Coastal zones are complex systems where sustainability needs local participative governance, whose absence may result in conflicts between social actors. In its absence, the first step should be a diagnosis of the current situation based on integrative conceptual frameworks such as the DPSIR. However, in conflicting situations, the generated model needs validation from social actors. Chiloé Island is a critical Chilean coastal fishery and aquaculture area, coexisting with subsistence and cultural uses of marine resources. This article analyzes the current ecological state of the Chiloé coastal zone and its main social-ecological impact using a DPSIR model. We validated its results through a household survey and interviews with local experts and social actors. Results show that increased coastal fisheries and aquaculture generate a critical decrease of coastal species, eutrophication, and pollution that, along with harmful algal blooms, generate conflicts. Social validation showed that experts and local social actors have different perceptions of conflicting parties and conflict solutions. Following a post-normal approach, we propose three ideas to start social-ecological governance of Chiloé coastal marine ecosystems. [Display omitted] •The coastal zone of Chiloé Island in southern Chile is a complex social-ecological system lacking integrated governance.•We used the Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Reponses (DPSIR) framework to make a diagnosis of the main problems of this ecosystem.•Results show that changes in the ecological state of the ecosystem have triggered social conflicts.•We propose a set of three basic principles to start a social-ecological governance process.