Did you know that the Humedal Urbano La Marina Sur is more than just a pretty view? It is a protected urban wetland. It safeguards the environment and the unique species that call it home.
Welcome to the Humedal Urbano La Marina Sur in Puerto Varas. This natural wetland spans approximately 2.1 hectares. It is a lacustrine or lake-like environment. The Humedal Urbano La Marina Sur is partially within the urban limits of Puerto Varas.
In 2021, the municipality requested protection. This vital step recognized the importance of this natural resource. Joaquin Aguirre is an expert in integrated water and territory management. He directed the study supporting the protection of Humedal Urbano La Marina Sur.
Aguirre noted the importance of the Humedal Urbano La Marina Sur. It is located near Puerto Chico. This ecosystem provides many benefits. It purifies the lake water. It also helps mitigate global warming. The Humedal Urbano La Marina Sur captures carbon. It renews the city’s air. This helps combat atmospheric contamination. These benefits are known as ecosystem services.
The ONG El Respiro played a key role in protecting Humedal Urbano La Marina Sur. Elisa Luco led the effort. She managed the study. Specialists from Puerto Varas conducted it. The study was presented to the Municipality. Then it was presented to the MMA.
Humedal Urbano La Marina Sur is now the third urban wetland protected by Law 21.202. The others are Humedal La Marina Norte and Humedal Gramado. The next challenge is to protect the entire La Marina wetland network. This would include wetlands upstream from the coast.
The Humedal Urbano La Marina Sur faces threats. Excess waste from the community is a problem. Real estate interests once tried to halt the declaration. They requested the MMA to invalidate the process.
The official recognition document describes Humedal Urbano La Marina. It is a natural riparian palustrine and lacustrine wetland. It is part of the sub-basin of Lake Llanquihue and its tributaries.
Raffaele Di Biase is a co-founder of Birds Chile. He stated that La Marina is the wetland with the most species in the urban part of the commune.
The municipality is actively involved in protecting this area. Ramon Bahamonde Cea is the mayor of Puerto Varas.
The Humedal Urbano La Marina Sur is home to diverse flora and fauna. This includes amphibians like the four-eyed frog. There are birds like the bandurria and mammals such as the southern mouse-eared bat. Various plant species thrive here too. This includes Juncus pallescens and Schoenoplectus californicus.
The Humedal Urbano La Marina Sur is more than just a habitat. It also offers cultural and recreational opportunities. These include physical interactions with the ecosystem. It also provides spiritual and symbolic connections to nature.
Today the Humedal Urbano La Marina Sur stands as a testament to conservation efforts. It shows the importance of community involvement. This precious ecosystem is protected for future generations.