Valdivia is recognized as a Wetland City: “We received this international recognition with great joy”

The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Environment celebrate the decision of the Standing Committee of the Ramsar Convention, communicated today in Gland, Switzerland, to award Valdivia the international accreditation of “Wetland City”, recognizing its long history of conservation and respect for its wetlands.

Currently, 43 cities in the world have this recognition, encouraging others to develop and strengthen a positive relationship with their ecosystems. This promotes conservation and scientific research, in addition to positioning Valdivia as a center for sustainable tourism, as well as providing more opportunities and economic access to the capital of the Los Ríos Region.

“We received this international recognition with great joy, because this is a demonstration of Chile's commitment to advance in caring for the environment and addressing climate change, which is a global challenge. It also highlights the important work done by the citizens of Valdivia in protecting the wetlands, that are essential for preserving biodiversity,” said Minister Alberto van Klaveren.

“Valdivia depends on its wetlands. Its resources are a source of work, food and the well-being for all citizens. This distinction will serve as an example for cities in other countries that want to be accredited, in addition to placing us at the forefront of sustainable urban development worldwide,” added the minister.

For her part, the Minister of the Environment, Maisa Rojas, emphasized the importance of wetlands for the progress of territories, as well as being strategic allies, both in adapting to climate change and in mitigating its effects, such as floods caused by heavy rains, because “they absorb and buffer the surplus of water and improve its quality”.

“The residents of Valdivia are well aware of the importance of their wetlands and have built a long trajectory around their protection. Since the black-necked swan disaster, citizens have been actively mobilizing for the conservation of nature. This recognition will make the city more visible, attract investment and tourism, as well as provide a framework for wetlands management, which translates into greater growth for Chile and a better quality of life for all,” added the minister.

The application for this category was submitted by the State of Chile, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in February 2024. Together with the Ministry of the Environment, Chile has worked to comply with all the stages and requirements of this process. This accreditation promotes the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands, as well as the identification of sustainable socioeconomic benefits for local populations.

Being part of the list of recognized sites also represents the government's commitment to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that the ecological characteristics of the area are maintained, promoting the care of biological diversity and water sources, fundamental elements in the mitigation of climate change and the future of humanity.