Antofagasta environmental authority outlines regional priorities and investments

Verónica Araneda Gómez, the Regional Ministerial Secretary of the Environment for Antofagasta, presented the 2026 Participatory Public Account, outlining environmental progress and challenges for the region. A primary focus is improving air quality in Calama through the redesign of the Air Quality Monitoring Network and the development of an Atmospheric Decontamination Plan (PDA).

Other key initiatives include waste management through the Local Waste Plan (PRELO) to promote a circular economy, and the environmental and social recovery of Calama via the Council for Environmental and Social Recovery (CRAS). Regarding biodiversity, the declaration of the Río Loa Urban Wetland was highlighted, with additional efforts to support new urban wetland declarations in Antofagasta.

Climate change management is also a priority, with the approval of a Regional Climate Change Action Plan featuring 112 actions. Additionally, the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (REP) Law has begun, with selective domestic collection of packaging in Antofagasta.

In terms of economic impact, the region has seen significant environmental investment. Since March 11, 12 projects totaling approximately US$6.739 billion have been approved. Furthermore, 12 new projects representing US$21.443 billion have entered the Environmental Impact Assessment System, with 33 projects currently under evaluation representing a potential investment of US$28.862 billion.