Seeking International Protection for the Maipo River Wetland

On the occasion of World Wetlands Day today, Santo Domingo Mayor Fernando Rodríguez Larraín signed a request to the Ministry of the Environment for the Maipo River Wetland to be declared a site of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. This is the only international convention or treaty for the protection of wetlands, and was ratified by Chile in 1981.

In a ceremony held at the main entrance of the Humedal Río Maipo Nature Park , on Marbella beach in Santo Domingo, the mayor highlighted the importance of having an ecosystem like this wetland within his commune, not only because it is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna species, but also because of its great potential for recreation, sustainable tourism, research and scientific education.

“For Santo Domingo, it is very important to have all the protection this site deserves, as we are working not only for those who wish to visit and explore it now, but also for future generations. It is a wonderful place that is home to a large number of birds; it is a natural treasure that unites our community and San Antonio,” said Rodríguez Larraín.

Visitor Center Opening

As part of the World Wetlands Day celebration, the mayor, along with the Mar Adentro and Cosmos Foundations, inaugurated the Visitor Center for the Río Maipo Wetland Nature Park. The facility, the park’s entrance, covers 145 square meters and includes a multipurpose room, a terrace with informative signage about the park and its biological importance, a terrace available to the Marbella surf school, a park ranger’s office, and a watchtower with panoramic views of the entire park. It was funded by the Municipality of Santo Domingo and designed by these foundations.

“Having this center and the park rangers will allow us to provide the necessary information to those who want to learn more about the wetland and, above all, ensure proper protection not only during the summer, but throughout the year,” commented the mayor of Santo Domingo.

In this regard, Diego Urrejola, executive director of the Cosmos Foundation, stated that “together with the Municipality of Santo Domingo and the Mar Adentro Foundation, we have created a public-private partnership to provide the Maipo River Wetland with planning, management, and infrastructure that will allow it to be protected and transformed into a hub for research, education, and development in the municipality and the province.”