Black-necked Stilts (Himantopus mexicanus) flying over the waters of the wetland Rocuant-Andalién | ©Sydney Walsh / Audubon
AFI's pioneering project in Chile moves forward: restoring the Rocuant-Andalién wetlands
AFI’s pioneering project for the restoration of the Rocuant-Andalién wetlands system, located in the Biobío region of Chile, has completed its structuring phase and is beginning to identify the financing model that will lead to its effective and future implementation.. This proposal seeks to to demonstrate the potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) as a natural infrastructure against as natural infrastructure against extreme weather events and the improvement of living conditions for its inhabitants and migratory birds throughout the continent.
The Rocuant-Andalién wetland system is the largest wetland ecosystem in the metropolitan area of the city of Concepción. It encompasses five wetlands that extend over approximately 2,950 hectares, hosting about 160 species of birds.. It is a critical ecosystem, but also one of the Important Bird Areas (IBA), the most relevant in the country. Even so, it faces serious threats such asFragmentation, desiccation, contamination, illegal landfills, and pressure from road, port, and urban infrastructures.
In this scenario, AFI seeks to contribute to contain this situation by supporting the restoration of this ecosystem to mitigate natural disasters such as floods and tsunamis, recover habitats for migratory birds, and increase climate resilience in the country.
Rocuant-Andalién Wetland, located in the Biobio region of Chile. | ©Sydney Walsh / Audubon
According to estimates of our initiative, restoring the wetland would reduce the risk of flooding in 290 hectares of the metropolitan area of Concepción and its surrounding communes. In addition, the economic valuation study estimates that the avoided losses could reach US$58 million, and that the economic benefits would exceed US$100 million in concrete actions such as job creation, increased recreational opportunities and ecosystem services.
A project for development and cooperation
From a technical and coordination role, representatives of Audubon and AFI met last March with the Chilean Ministry of the Environment (MMA)..
Government involvement has played a key role in accelerating the project’s development. Its structuring, completed in under a year, was made possible by building on existing outcomes and processes—such as the GEF/MMA/UNEP Coastal Wetlands Conservation Project in south-central Chile, a recognized biodiversity hotspot, led by the Ministry of Environment.
As part of this pioneering project, we developed a preliminary design of nature-based solutions for the restoration of three key areas within the Rocuant-Andalién Wetland System. In addition, with technical support from IISD, an economic valuation study was carried out demonstrating the return on investment (ROI).
Meeting with Maximiliano Proaño, Chile’s Undersecretary of the Environment | ©Santiago Aparicio
“By increasing infiltration surface near the wetland, we can reduce flooding and restore bird habitat, which strengthens the climate resilience of the metro area“
Audubon’s Conservation Director
During the technical visit to the wetlands system, also present were community representatives and local community representatives and local authorities from the four municipalities that make up the system were also present.: Penco, Concepción, Hualpén and Talcahuano.. The participation of local governments has been indispensable in advancing a shared conservation vision.
Audubon and AFI executives on their visit to the Rocuant-Andalién wetland, March 2025 |©Sydney Walsh / Audubon
Finally, AFI was part of Joy of Migrationan event organized by Audubon to celebrate how birds connect stories and initiatives through their long migratory journeys throughout the Americas. The event brought together organizations and authorities to address these issues.
The event was attended by Alicia Montalvo, CAF’s Climate Change and Positive Biodiversity Manager, who participated in the event’s panel highlighting the importance of AFI for CAF given the contribution of bird science to identify the most strategic sites and interventions. the importance of AFI for CAF given the contribution of bird science to identify the most strategic sites and interventions.
“For CAF, it is highly valuable to be part of this initiative and to partner with two scientific organizations like Audubon and BirdLife, which help guide investments by using birds as bioindicators”
CAF’s Climate Change and Positive Biodiversity Manager
Alicia Montalvo, CAF’s Climate Change and Positive Biodiversity Manager, during a panel at the Joy of Migration event. | ©Sydney Walsh / Audubon
