LIVING IN JUAN FERNANDEZ
The population of over 1,000 people who live mainly in the town of San Juan Bautista, on Robinson Crusoe Island, live mainly from sustainable lobster fishing, as well as tourism, which is also maintained on a sustainable scale. An important part of life in this corner of the Pacific happens within the community, and those who visit the island are welcome to be a part of it.
EVERYONE’S ISLAND
In the archipelago of Juan Fernández and the Desventuradas Islands, the collective use of the land is the norm. Only Robinson Crusoe has a small area, around 3%, which is not part of the National Park. In the remaining 97% of the island, there is no private property, so anyone can make use of the land. The islands and their seas belong to everyone, and the entire community cares for and protects them. Local traditions such as the Villagra Rodeo, which is held once a year, the harvesting of fruits such as maqui or murtilla for consumption, music whose local songbook is passed on orally, sports such as rowing and sailing, fishing and lobster trading as currency, or even volunteer work for the construction of public works such as the airstrip and trails, are deep-rooted practices that are experienced in the community and are transmitted from one generation to another.
“I have the joy of being an islander, I am very happy that festivities like Villagra continue, where the entire community comes together to share and preserve our traditions.”