“Lithium Extraction Projects in Chile and Their Impact on Ramsar Sites” – February 10, 2026
The lagoons and salt flats of northern Chile are not just desert mirrors; they represent fragile ecosystems of immense ecological, cultural, and hydrological value. At the center of this unique landscape lies the Soncor Hydrological System, designated a Ramsar Site since 1996 for its biodiversity and vital ecological function amid one of the planet’s most extreme deserts.
This protection has been framed within the National Lithium Strategy announced in 2023, which has established the commitment to delineate protected areas where extractive operations will not occur, thus aiming to safeguard 30% of ecosystems by 2030.
These areas hold invaluable importance for the life of the communities and species that exist there, which the outgoing government seeks to protect, while the industry views it as a threat to its interests…
… The Soncor Hydrological System, located in the Atacama salt flat basin, hosts lagoons like Puilar, Chaxa, and Barros Negros, which sustain iconic birds such as the Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus) and James’ flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi), alongside numerous migratory bird species and ecologically significant terrestrial fauna like the Chinchilla.
These wetlands are not only crucial for biodiversity but also represent cultural and hydric capital for the indigenous and pastoral communities that have inhabited this region for centuries…