Chile celebrates National Park Ranger Day

Chile celebrated National Park Ranger Day with ceremonies recognizing the dedication of personnel protecting the country's ecosystems. In Santiago, Juan Sepúlveda Fuentes, administrator of the Los Huemules del Niblinto National Reserve, was among 15 rangers honored nationally for his work protecting mountain ecosystems and endangered species like the huemul.

In the O’Higgins region, CONAF held a symbolic event to honor local rangers, including Hugo Durán Serrano, who has served at the Río de Los Cipreses National Reserve for 37 years. Officials emphasized the vital role rangers play in environmental education, visitor assistance, and emergency prevention.

This year's commemoration marks a transition period for the profession. It is the final official celebration organized under CONAF, as the national body of park rangers is scheduled to transfer to the new Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service (SBAP), under the Ministry of the Environment, by March 2027.