The heart of Antofagasta harbors a small but vital oasis: the Aguada La Chimba Wetland . Nestled in the arid landscape of northern Chile, this natural space has garnered international attention after receiving the Biodiversity Star Award , becoming the first wetland in the Southern Cone to be distinguished with this accolade. The recognition, presented by the global network Wetland Link International (WLI) at the COP15 conference held in Zimbabwe, highlights the success of the restoration and conservation of this urban ecosystem.
This 2,2-hectare wetland , located in the city's urban area, has been the subject of intensive recovery work since 2018. Thanks to the collaboration between the Kennedy Foundation, the Copec company, universities, the Navy and various neighborhood groups, the biodiversity of the place has multiplied and its surface area has been increased by almost half.
A model of restoration and biodiversity
Between 2018 and 2024 , joint efforts increased the wetland's area by 48% and raised the number of recorded species from 40 to 163. This remarkable growth reflects the active participation of public and private stakeholders and civil society in protecting an enclave that plays a fundamental role in the region's environmental conservation.
The Star Award for Biodiversity recognizes excellence in environmental management, education, research, and community engagement. To date, only 39 sites worldwide have received this honor, underscoring the emblematic role of the Antofagasta wetland in Latin America.
A vital refuge for unique species
The Aguada La Chimba Wetland has several official protection designations: in 2021 it was declared a Nature Sanctuary and was also recognized as the first Urban Wetland in the Antofagasta Region. Despite its small size, it harbors a great wealth of biodiversity, including species such as the Atacama racer , the silver tiger spider , and the La Chimba snail ( Heleobia chimbaensis ), a microendemic species currently facing extinction.
The wetland plays a vital role as a refuge and resting place for migratory and resident shorebirds , facilitating the conservation of both native Chilean species and those from other latitudes. Among the biodiversity it harbors are the Chilean gull , the northern hummingbird , and the red-fronted coot , sighted after the area's restoration.
Coordination and participation, keys to success
The project's progress has been made possible through strategic alliances between public agencies, private entities, and the local community . According to Denis Kennedy, president of the Kennedy Foundation, this achievement is the result of a shared vision and a commitment to collaborative work. Arturo Natho, general manager of Copec, emphasizes that protecting the wetland is also a way to foster sustainable development and improve the quality of life for those who live in the surrounding area.
Environment Minister Maisa Rojas highlighted this recognition, noting that " coordination between government, civil society and private companies is fundamental to facing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss ."
Challenges and threats to the wetland
Despite progress, the Aguada La Chimba Wetland continues to face various environmental risks . Among the main threats are illegal water extraction , unauthorized access by people and domestic animals, waste accumulation, and pressure from real estate development.
To combat these problems, physical barriers, special signage, and citizen monitoring programs have been installed . In addition, educational activities focused on the importance of conservation have been promoted , involving schools, organizations, and environmental volunteers.
The award ceremony at COP15 was attended by prominent representatives such as Arturo Brandt, director of the Kennedy Foundation, as well as representatives from the Chilean Ministry of the Environment, who reiterated the national and international commitment to protecting the wetland.
This space demonstrates that conservation and ecological restoration are possible through the combined efforts of different sectors of society . Despite its limited size, it has become a symbol of environmental resilience and collaboration, inspiring other communities to protect their natural heritage.
