Valle Cochamó: We have created one of the country’s largest protected areas
The new nature sanctuary was ratified today in the Official Gazette.
The week began with great news for the environment. The creation of the new Valle Cochamó Nature Sanctuary, one of the country’s largest protected areas, was published in the Official Gazette.
This is excellent news for nature, and it is just one of the many measures that the government has taken to protect our ecosystems.
The new nature sanctuary is located in the Los Lagos Region. It is characterized by its imposing granite walls, forests, glaciers and million-year-old rocks, as well as its unique culture.
“One of the most important water reserves in the world can be found in the Cochamó Valley. Also, due to its rugged topography and the presence of well-conserved native forests, the area is a climatic refuge providing ecosystems services that generate well-being for people,” Maisa Rojas, Environment Minister.
The protected area comprises approximately one third of the Cochamó River hydrographic basin. It is located within the limits of the Bosques Templados Lluviosos de los Andes Australes (Temperate Rain Forests of the Southern Andes) Biosphere Reserve.
More than 50 animal species live there, including birds, mammals and amphibians. Furthermore, due to its centuries-old forests, it is an area that contains six of the 12 forest types in Chile.
Characteristics of the Valle Cochamó Nature Sanctuary
- It contains a total of 11,400 protected hectares (28,170 acres).
- It is one of the most important water reserves in the world.
- It is an ecosystem with six of the 12 forest types in Chile.
- It is a climate refuge with ecosystem services.