The participants highlighted that this event was held in Puerto Natales.

The Region of Magallanes and from the Chilean Antarctic plays a fundamental role in the development of salmon farming. For this reason, the Chilean Salmon Industry Association A. G. (SalmonChile) organized a second dialogue instance with representatives of communities and local actors, first in Punta Arenas with 60 participants and this time in the city of Puerto Natales together with 50 people who were called by the Magellan Salmon Farmers Association.

The "Dialogues for the Future of Salmon Farming" aim to develop a proposal to sustainably project salmon farming towards 2050. In the event, different organizations, companies, workers, suppliers association of Puerto Natales, Kawésqar communities, neighborhood councils and other entities participated.

The director of studies and projects of SalmonChile, Marcela Bravo, highlighted the importance of carrying out these dialogues both in Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales because, according to him, the opinions of the representatives from Magallanes "are very important for" build together sustainable salmon farming that we all want by 2050". To which he added: "This open dialogue is a demonstration that we can all be part of from an industry that contributes in many positive aspects to the inhabitants of the most southern part of the country, who are of vital relevance to the sector.

The president of the Kawésqar Community Kskial from Puerto Natales, Lucía Uribe, expressed feeling "very good" about having participated, "since it is" first time that invite us to such an instance as different actors and that they can have a reflection on what the industry means in the region and in our city.

Then, Lucía Uribe stated that the industry has a great challenge towards the Kawésqar communities, "in continuing to maintain trust, dialogue and that those conversations do not remain only between four walls." We want this to work.

The participants also highlighted that this event was held in Puerto Natales. Oscar Garay, who is representative of the salmon farming company Australis, emphasized that it is an important point pay attention to the needs, concerns and doubts that the communities that are in daily contact, whether directly or indirectly, with the industry.

These dialogues, undoubtedly, make people feel much more heard, valued and respected "because they feel that they are contributing to their vision being heard and taken into account," emphasized Garay.

This national effort -according to what was emphasized by SalmonChile- strengthens the commitment from the industry by integrate the voices from all the key regions to build together the future of salmon farming in Chile.

*Photos: courtesy of SalmonChile.