Website will allow you to learn all about the biodiversity of the Metropolitan Region
The page contributes to knowledge of the Metropolitan Region’s ecosystems.
As part of World Nature Conservation Day, Chile’s Environment Ministry has launched the website https://biodiversidadrm.mma.gob.cl/. The site shares information about the biodiversity and ecosystems that coexist in the Metropolitan Region.
The portal has six sections that approach different topics on biodiversity in the Metropolitan Region: Land-based Ecosystems; Aquatic Ecosystems; Species; Ecosystem Services; Climate Change; and Environmental Education.
In the latter, citizens and educational establishments can find downloadable teaching resources, such as the Metropolitan Region Biodiversity Teaching Support Guide, the Metropolitan Region Biodiversity Map and the Forest-School Program.
Alongside the launch of the website, 2024 was declared the “Year of Biodiversity in the Metropolitan Region”, in order to further enhance the care of the region’s ecosystems.
Biodiversity in the Metropolitan Region
Santiago is currently home to approximately a quarter of Chile’s native flora species, of which 47% are endemic to Chile and 7% are typical of the region.
About half of the country’s land-based vertebrate species can also be found in the Metropolitan Region, which reaffirms the wealth of biodiversity there.
In terms of the number of native vascular plants, the region contains 1,355 species, which represent 25.3% of Chile’s flora, 6.7% of which are endemic to the region. Among vertebrates, at least four of the endemic land-based mammal species inhabit the Metropolitan Region.
Although the region has a notable biodiversity, its inhabitants tend to be unaware of its wealth, importance and uniqueness. Despite the efforts made in recent years to promote knowledge and appreciation of this biodiversity, gaps still exist.