Rocuant-Andalién wetland faces urban development debate

The Rocuant-Andalién wetland, located between Concepción, Penco, and Talcahuano, has become a focal point in the debate over urban development and ecosystem preservation. The area serves as a critical habitat for over 120 species, including aquatic birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Notably, the wetland is internationally recognized for its importance to the pilpilén, a shorebird that relies on the Isla de los Reyes beach for feeding, resting, and reproduction.

Beyond biodiversity, the ecosystem provides essential hydrological services. It acts as a buffer during intense rainfall by storing and mitigating excess water in urban sectors of Talcahuano. Dr. Pablo González, a marine biologist from the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, emphasizes that the wetland is a critical habitat for both resident and migratory birds amidst an increasingly intervened urban landscape. He notes that conserving these species helps maintain ecological functions such as nutrient transport, seed dispersal, and the regulation of trophic networks.