The Arid Coastal Wetlands of Northern Chile: Towards an Integrated Management of Highly Threatened Systems

Abstract

The ecological value of coastal wetlands is globally recognized, particularly as biodiversity hotspots, but also as buffer areas because of their role in the fight against climate change in recent years. Most of Chile’s coastal wetlands are concentrated in the central and southern part of the country due to climate conditions. However, northern coastal wetlands go unnoticed despite being located in areas of high water deficit (desert areas) and their role in bird migratory routes along the north–south coastal cordon of South America. This study reviews the current environmental status of the arid coastal wetlands of northern Chile (Lluta, Camarones, Loa, La Chimba, Copiapó, Totoral, Carrizal Bajo) in terms of regulations, management, and future aims. The main natural and anthropogenic threats to these coastal wetlands are identified, as well as the main management tools applied for their protection, e.g., the Nature Sanctuary designation, which allows for the protection of both privately and publicly owned property; and the Urban Wetland, a recently created protection category.