Chile launches Network of Protected Salt Flats to balance lithium development and biodiversity conservation

Chile’s government approved six new protected areas in the Atacama Region as part of the National Lithium Strategy, creating the country’s Network of Protected Salt Flats to safeguard 30% of high-Andean ecosystems by 2030.

The Council of Ministers for Sustainability and Climate Change, chaired by Environment Minister Maisa Rojas, has approved the creation of the first areas that will make up Chile’s Network of Protected Salt Flats. The initiative aims to protect at least 30% of salt flat and high-Andean lagoon ecosystems by 2030, in line with Chile’s international commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Six new protected areas in the Atacama Region

The approval includes ten high-Andean salt flats and lagoons, which will be grouped into six new protected areas:

• Las Lagunas Bravas National Park
• Lagunas Collas Virgin Region Reserve
• Salar de Pedernales National Reserve
• Pisacas Virgin Region Reserve
• Salar de Gorbea National Park
• Salar de Las Parinas National Park

These protected areas cover the Pedernales, La Laguna, Gorbea, Las Parinas, Jilguero, and Eulogio salt flats, along with the Bravas, Redonda, del Bayo, and Escondida lagoons — all key ecosystems for biodiversity in the Atacama Desert.

A new standard for balance between mining and nature

Minister Maisa Rojas emphasized that the creation of this network marks a turning point in Chile’s environmental policy:

“This is a milestone for Chile, because the Network of Protected Salt Flats becomes a reality and demonstrates that it is possible to reconcile development strategies with the protection of the country’s natural wealth. With this network, we are ensuring that lithium development proceeds while caring for ecosystems and respecting the communities that inhabit these unique areas,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mining Minister Aurora Williams highlighted the unprecedented nature of this interministerial effort:

“This is a historic day, as we have created the first part of the Network of Protected Salt Flats — a fundamental pillar of the National Lithium Strategy. It is an example of how the State can promote responsible mining with environmental and social balance.”

Atacama: pioneer in new conservation categories

Natalia Penroz, the regional Environment Secretary (Seremi) for Atacama, noted that the region is the first to implement the new “Virgin Region Reserves”, a unique category in Chile that ensures the highest level of environmental protection.

“We are safeguarding saline ecosystems and high-Andean lagoons — true natural laboratories for science and conservation. Moreover, for the first time, protected areas are being established in the commune of Diego de Almagro, following a process that included an Indigenous consultation to ensure participation and respect for local communities,” she said.

Public and Indigenous consultations

The process included both public consultation and an Indigenous consultation with the Colla communities, which concluded with agreements incorporated into the final proposal. Following approval by the Council of Ministers, the Supreme Decree establishing the six new protected areas will be signed by President Gabriel Boric and submitted to the Office of the Comptroller General for review.

From the Lithium Strategy to biodiversity protection

With this approval, Chile takes a decisive step toward reconciling lithium production with the conservation of high-Andean ecosystems.

The Network of Protected Salt Flats aims to incorporate 26 saline and lagoon ecosystems into Chile’s official system of protected areas, increasing protected coverage from 8% to 32% by 2030, in alignment with Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Agreement, which calls for the protection of 30% of representative ecosystems.

High-Andean salt flats are critical wetlands for northern Chile’s biodiversity, serving as habitats for flamingos, vicuñas, and migratory birds, while playing a vital role in water regulation across arid zones. Their protection represents significant progress in environmental conservation, scientific research, and sustainable tourism.