Chile Environment Ministry biodiversity program for young students

SANTIAGO – With the purpose of taking students from different regional establishments on educational activities, the Environment Ministry along with Sendero de Chile foundation, built up a program called “Biodiversity, Education and Public Participation”. Its first version began in November last year and has just finished.

The program included guided visits to natural areas for 3,200 students from 37 different cities throughout the country. This was made to generate more learning and awareness about the country’s ecosystems. Additionally, there were volunteer programs in the areas for improving these places and to support conservation programs. 

Young volunteers in the Atacama Region. Photo: Ministro de Medio Ambiente

“The whole experience was a success and there were a lot of people. After all, we conducted a poll, and 90% of the respondents considered this experience as a very good experience and also added that they expanded their knowledge about biodiversity conservation”, said Leonel Sierralta, chief of Biodiversity and Natural Resources for the Ministry of the Environment.

The educational adventure lasted 5 months and within that time, the participants visited 13 national parks and areas under protection in different regions such as Aguada Corrillos (3^rd region); Conguillío National Park (9^th region); Malalcahuello National Reserve (9^th region); Cerro Castillo National Reserve (11st region); Coyhaique  (11st region); cierro Ñelol National Monument (11st region); Chagual botanic garden (RM); urban wetland Boca del Maule (8^th region); National Park Tricahue (7^th region); Natural Park Quebrada de Macul (RM); Quebrada La Quirilluca (5^th region); and Valle de Cochamó Biosphere Reserve (6^th region).

The Brújula book edition, a guidebook for environmental educators, was included in the program, too. The book contains information about biodiversity conservation in different ecosystems on land and under water.

Strengthening environmental awareness and education in Chile has been a key goal for the Ministry of the Environment. Chile signed and recognized the international treaty on biodiversity in 1994. A 2003 government report noted the need for biodiversity for the development of life in Chile. The report acknowledged the “importance of biodiversity as the core of life on earth” and outlined ideas for sustainable use of the environment in the future.