Chimalfe – Wetland

Almost completely surrounded by the city of Greater Concepción, the Paicaví, Tucapel Bajo and Chimalfe (formerly Vasco de Gama) wetlands survive as a relic of what was once continuous with the Rocuant-Andalién wetland , a large ecosystem formed by an extinct branch of the Biobío River that flowed into the Bay of Concepción, crossing the city.

Although urbanization has led to the loss of up to 40% of this natural space, the wetland system stands out as an ecosystem of high ecological value and for the ecosystem services it provides, including flood mitigation, high productivity and biological diversity, coastal protection from tsunamis, environmental education and recreation, among others.

Recognizing the importance of its conservation and restoration, since 2020, the Coastal Wetlands Conservation Group (GEF) has sought to improve the ecological status of this wetland system, promoting sustainable land management.

In this context, and based on the Cosmos Foundation’s experience in infrastructure design and management of wetland parks, we signed a collaboration agreement with the municipalities of Hualpén and Concepción to develop sections of the Chimalfe and Paicaví-Tucapel Bajo wetlands as natural parks open to the community to encourage environmental education, social cohesion, and ecosystem conservation.

Participatory design of a space for conservation and social cohesion

Following the Cosmos Foundation methodology for developing infrastructure projects in natural areas, a social and territorial diagnosis of the site was made, and then the perceptions, dreams, and challenges of the territory were collected from its own inhabitants through a participatory design process.

In a series of workshops led by the consulting firm URBANCOST, community organizations, authorities, and residents of the municipalities of Concepción and Hualpén identified the needs, aspirations, and dreams for their territories, resulting in the foundation for the development of the sustainable architecture project developed by the Cosmos Foundation.

Chimalfe Wetland

Residents of the Chimalfe Wetland emphasized their interest in ensuring that future infrastructure allows for universal and safe access , strengthens environmental education, and fosters territorial ties through the construction of walkways and viewing platforms, and the installation of signage that serves as living classroom spaces.

The Cosmos Foundation proposal, aligned with the expectations of Hualpén residents, includes the construction of a controlled-access portal, a plaza with vegetation, illuminated paths, and accessible walkways with interpretive and informative signage about flora, fauna, and fungi. These signs will connect to a shaded area that acts as a Living Classroom or amphitheater for talks and discussions. The design is inspired by the wings of the dragonfly (Chimalfe in Mapudungun).

After the amphitheater, the tour continues along walkways to the viewing platform, shaped like a dragonfly’s abdomen and offering panoramic views of the ecosystem. At this point, you can access the “magic forest,” a landmark of the area. Despite being privately owned, it is visited by locals for environmental education and nature-connection activities.

With the proposals already presented to the municipalities of Concepción and Hualpén , the next step is the development of the technical designs and finalize the prioritized application of the two projects to the Urban Improvement and Communal Equipment Program (PMU) to raise public financing that allows its execution.