Natural Reserve, Peñaflor – Inclusive Trail
“Wetlands are sources of life and also bridges of life.”
Florencia Sepúlveda, architect in charge of the project
In 2021, the municipality of Peñaflor pioneered the creation of the first Municipal Nature Reserve (Renamu) in the Metropolitan Region and the third in Chile, protecting more than 100 hectares of the Mapocho River’s banks and channels. Santiago’s main waterway is under severe urban pressure, threatening its biodiversity. However, although not without threats, in Peñaflor the Mapocho is rich in biodiversity. This is what Renamu seeks to protect.
To advance the conservation of this space, the Municipality of Peñaflor contacted the Cosmos Foundation, with the intention of designing universally accessible trails that would facilitate traffic flow, create an inclusive park, and contribute to the restoration and conservation of the ecosystem.
Inclusive Path for Conservation.
The objective of the agreement between the Municipality of Peñaflor and the Cosmos Foundation is to build a 300-meter inclusive trail that will provide access to this natural area located in the Metropolitan Region.
In addition to providing universally accessible infrastructure for access to RENAMU, with the creation of a smooth-surfaced path and the installation of ramps, walkways, and other elements, the project will prevent soil erosion and direct contact with the wetland, thus restoring the ecosystem and contributing to the conservation of the area’s biodiversity.
The project is part of a partnership between Picparks, GEF Montaña, and the Municipality of Peñaflor within the “Pickparks comunal” program, a collaborative platform that brings together conservation projects with individuals or companies interested in supporting the financing of their actions.