Diario Financiero || San Antonio Outer Port: “Curious” Claim

Mr. Director: In his third public address, President Boric referred to the San Antonio Outer Port project, stating that “we have demonstrated that it can be done while preserving the environment.” A curious statement, to say the least, considering that the Environmental Assessment Service is the technical body that must determine whether a project is compatible with environmental preservation, which is certified through an Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA). Currently, no such resolution exists, and the environmental impact assessment process remains suspended while the project manager conducts studies to address an unprecedented number of technical observations.

How is it possible to assure the country that it has been “demonstrated” that a project without a RCA is compatible with the preservation of its environment? What technical basis does the Executive have for this determination? In light of these statements and the fact that the Port of San Antonio is meeting with international investors to finance part of the infrastructure before it is approved, we wonder if there is a real will to evaluate this project in order to advance sustainable development at a time when a reform to the SEIA is being discussed. Therefore, we invite you to learn about the more than 700 observations from specialized technical organizations that still have no response. The planet’s time is running out, and we have no room for error.