Chile Establishes Protected Salars Network, Championing Global Biodiversity at COP15 on Wetlands
Santiago, Chile – July 25, 2025 – In a significant stride towards global biodiversity conservation, Chile’s Minister of the Environment, Ms. Maisa Rojas, today announced the establishment of the nation’s “Red de Salares Protegidos” (Protected Salars Network) at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The announcement, made at a pivotal moment during the international summit, highlights Chile’s commitment to safeguarding its unique and globally important salar ecosystems.
The presentation, delivered with a tone of earnest dedication, underscored the critical ecological and cultural significance of Chile’s salars. These high-altitude salt flats, often found in the arid regions of the Andes, are not merely saline depressions but vibrant, complex wetland ecosystems teeming with specialized life forms adapted to extreme conditions. They are recognized as vital habitats for a diverse array of flora and fauna, including numerous species of flamingos, migratory birds, and endemic microorganisms. Furthermore, salars hold deep cultural and historical importance for indigenous communities who have coexisted with these environments for centuries.
Minister Rojas emphasized that the creation of the Protected Salars Network is a direct response to the growing understanding of the ecological fragility of these environments and the increasing pressures they face from various human activities, including mining and tourism. By formally designating and integrating these salars into a protected network, Chile aims to ensure their long-term preservation and the continuation of the essential ecosystem services they provide.
The initiative signifies a proactive approach by the Chilean government, aligning with the Ramsar Convention’s objectives of wise use and conservation of wetlands. The establishment of this network is expected to facilitate enhanced management strategies, scientific research, and coordinated conservation efforts across multiple salar sites within the country. It also signals Chile’s intention to play a leading role in international dialogues concerning the protection of similar high-altitude wetland environments worldwide.
At COP15, a forum dedicated to discussing the future of the world’s wetlands, Minister Rojas’ presentation served as an inspiration for other nations to consider similar protective measures for their own unique wetland treasures. The announcement was met with considerable interest and positive reception from delegates and environmental organizations in attendance, recognizing Chile’s leadership in this crucial area of conservation.
The Protected Salars Network represents a crucial step in Chile’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its environmental governance and contribute meaningfully to global biodiversity goals. The Ministry of the Environment looks forward to collaborating with national and international partners to ensure the enduring health and resilience of these extraordinary Andean wetlands for generations to come.
Ministra Rojas presenta la Red de Salares Protegidos en la COP15 de Humedales
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
Ministerio del Medio Ambiente published ‘Ministra Rojas presenta la Red de Salares Protegidos en la COP15 de Humedales’ at 2025-07-25 15:23. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.