The socio-environmental empowerment that characterizes Valdivia has driven important changes at the national level in green matters. After an environmental disaster in 2004, Valdivia managed to improve the ecological institutional framework and modify the legislation of the time. Subsequently, and after the defense of wetlands, Law No. 21.202 on the protection of urban wetlands was created in 2020. It was promoted by a senator from the region, who has been and continues to be a pioneer on this matter.

Law 20.202 modifies various legal bodies and mandates the environment ministry and local governments to declare urban wetlands to ensure their protection. Since the law was implemented, five urban wetland systems have been declared protected and two new sanctuaries directly related to wetlands and the river system have been created. Currently, Valdivia has 2.341 hectares of protected wetlands, equivalent to 39% of its current urban land. In 2021 Valdivia was the first city in Chile that created and approved a local ordinance for the protection of wetlands. Since 2024 Valdivia has a communal strategic plan for wetlands that establishes a shared vision to guide conservation actions.

These efforts have significantly influenced the city’s planning tools. Mayor Amtmann has prioritized updating the Urban Land Use Plan, which now recognizes the preservation of Valdivia’s natural systems—its rivers and wetlands—as the city’s main urban planning challenge. In response, the draft plan currently designates over 40% of urban land as protected areas, preservation zones, or part of the green space system. Additionally, regulatory incentives are being developed to promote the conservation and integration of wetlands into urban development.

This planning framework has also enabled the promotion of new projects aligned with green infrastructure, aimed at strengthening Valdivia’s resilience to climate change. Over the past four years, the city has expanded its green spaces through the creation of four new municipal parks and numerous green areas across the city. Valdivia has also established a municipal nursery that produces all the plant species used in public green spaces. The city is a pioneer in implementing a native species program that fosters biodiversity while engaging the local community.

These actions reflect Valdivia’s leadership and commitment to managing urban development with a long-term vision of resilience. The impact of local policies, legislative measures, and regulatory instruments for wetland conservation must extend over time and ensure that vulnerable communities are included and supported.