Chile's Maule and Los Lagos regions roll out new environmental initiatives

On World Environment Day, the Regional Environmental Secretary of Maule, Felipe Massardo, and San Clemente mayor Alejandra Bahamondes inaugurated the Expo Sustentable 2026 fair and signed a public‑private agreement with Nuevosur S.A. to launch the “Toma el Sartén por el Mango” cooking‑oil recycling program. Two collection containers will be placed in the town – one at the stadium and another at the Sustainable Development office – to prevent used oil from entering sewers and to support a circular‑economy approach.

In Frutillar, Los Lagos, mayor Javier Arismendi and Regional Environmental Secretary Lorena Leichtle opened the municipality’s first wetland treatment system, part of the “Esteros Vivos, Lago Sano” programme. The wetland can treat up to 4 000 liters of water daily, reducing contaminants and fecal coliforms before water reaches Lake Llanquihue. The project showcases a science‑based, community‑driven model for protecting the region’s water resources.