National wetland policy: Chile

Abstract

Since the 1990s, Chile has experienced an accelerated pace of economic development that has been mainly based on the exploitation of its natural resources. The dependence on raw materials and an accelerated economic growth has increased the threats imposed to biodiversity, ecosystems and the livelihoods of indigenous and local communities that live upon them. This chapter outlines the geographic distribution of wetlands in Chile and the national and regional efforts to protect and manage these ecosystems. Important challenges remain in order to achieve effective wetland conservation, especially in terms of enabling an effective participation of local communities in natural resources management.