Environmental regulatory processes face resets in Chile and

In Chile, Mapuche communities are challenging the implementation of the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service (SBAP). Leaders from the Pargua Pepiukilen community and the Huilli Lafken Wueichan Coordinator are seeking to revert the indigenous consultation process to its initial stages, citing negligence and procedural irregularities. These allegations include the loss of signed documents, inadequate transport for participants, and the premature closing of the consultation period.

Following the Ministry of Environment’s invalidation of the previous consultation due to missing official documents, community leaders, including Francisco Vera Millaquen, have maintained their calls for a reset.

In Venezuela, Environment Minister Fabio Arjona announced the revocation of Resolution 0994, which had established the ‘La Baja’ Renewable Natural Resources Reserve for the protection of the Santurbán Paramo. The government stated that the revocation follows a judicial order regarding procedural irregularities and unresolved recusations. Arjona explained that the decision does not eliminate the need for protection but is intended to reset the process to ensure effective participation from all stakeholders.