In the far north of Chile, near the border with Peru, Humedal del Río Lluta is home to around 200 bird species, making it a vital ecosystem for shorebirds along the Pacific Americas Flyway.
In February 2010, the Hemispheric Council of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN/RHRAP) recognized the wetland as a “Site of Regional Importance,” making it the second WHSRN site in Chile. This designation highlighted the site’s critical role as habitat for species such as the Sanderling (Calidris alba) and the Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), which rely on this stretch of the Chilean coast as a safe and healthy stopover to rest and feed during their long migratory journeys.
To commemorate the 15th anniversary of this milestone, a celebratory event was held on Thursday, July 10th, at the wetland in the city of Arica. The event was organized with the participation of the Corporación de Formación Laboral al Adolescente (Youth Vocational Training Corporation-CORFAL), the Municipal Government of Arica, the Red de Observadores de Aves y Vida Silvestre de Chile (Chilean Bird and Wildlife Observers Network-ROC), and the University of Tarapacá.
The celebration highlight was the creation of a mural depicting the shorebirds that frequent this WHSRN site. The mural was painted by a group of CORFAL youth, in collaboration with park rangers from the Municipal Nature Reserve. In addition, ROC hosted an informational booth to showcase the various bird species that can be observed at the site, while the Municipal Government of Arica presented a photo exhibit featuring the wetland’s fauna.
The main activity was the collective creation of a mural inspired by the shorebirds that inhabit the RHRAP/WHSRN site.
Photo: Chilean Bird and Wildlife Observers Network-ROC
At the end of the day, a greetings letter from the WHSRN Executive Office was read aloud, thanking those who made this international designation possible. Among those recognized were the Municipal Government of Arica, the Universidad Tecnológica de Chile-INACAP (Arica Campus) through Patricio González Cruz, and local ornithologist Ronny Peredo (ROC).
Representing the mayor of Arica, Councilor Maximiliano Manríquez received the WHSRN 15th Anniversary commemorative certificate, accompanied by Councilor Jacqueline Boero. Remarks were also shared by Juan Lecaros (CORFAL), Afrodín Turra (Department of Environment), Jorge Abarca (University of Tarapacá), and Ronny Peredo (ROC), who reflected on and celebrated the progress made since the site’s designation.
Today, this WHSRN site is protected under two designations: as a Nature Sanctuary and as a Municipal Nature Reserve. It is also recognized as one of the key shorebird sites in Chile’s 2023 Shorebirds Conservation Action Plan. The plan addresses the main threats facing shorebirds in the country and outlines strategic actions, ranging from strengthening governance and site management to conducting research, monitoring populations, and promoting best practices to safeguard their habitats.
At the end of the day, a letter of greetings sent from the Executive Office of the RHRAP/WHSRN was read.
Photo: Chilean Bird and Wildlife Observers Network-ROC
Among the most notable achievements in recent years of collaborative management are the creation of a ranger team; the implementation of access restrictions in sensitive shorebird areas; the development of trails, signage, and interpretive stations; and the effective enforcement of a Municipal Ordinance. Additionally, a new Management Plan is being developed, expected to be finalized by the end of 2025, which aims to further enhance the protection of this important shorebird reserve.
From the WHSRN Executive Office, we sincerely thank the local partners for their dedication and accomplishments in conserving and managing the site, and we reaffirm our commitment to its conservation on this 15th Anniversary.
For more information about this WHSRN site, please contact: Ronny Peredo-Red de Observadores de Aves y Vida Silvestre de Chile (ROC)
ronnyperedo@redobservadores.cl
