Sacyr Concesiones
In our Ruta del Elqui Highway P3 project, we have promoted the initiative Wetlands: Natural Heritage on the Road (Humedales: Patrimonio natural en tu ruta), which aims to promote the conservation of these natural spaces and raise awareness of their importance for biodiversity. This initiative has been developed by the concessionaire and Sacyr Foundation in collaboration with the Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA). Its scope is particularly relevant because the highway is located in the Coquimbo region, an area particularly affected by drought, according to the Water Balance of the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) from September 2024.
During the first phase of this campaign, we have carried out educational and awareness-raising activities, such as visits with students or the celebration of the World Wetlands Day. In addition, we have distributed information and posters to road users with recommendations for these areas, as well as the conservation and best practices for those who visit them. We have also published the Guide to the Wetlands of Coquimbo Region (Guía de los Humedales de la Región de Coquimbo), with the intention of raising awareness among 1,300 people ―including students, local communities and collaborators― about the importance of these spaces.
The second phase of this initiative focuses on the sustainable integration of these natural sites during the construction works integrating biodiversity safeguard actions into project planning. This has entailed the implementation of seasonal campaigns, the monitoring of flora and fauna, as well as the establishment of collaborative strategies with research centers and local communities. This approach aims to integrate.
The objective of this initiative is to raise awareness about the significance of the more than 30 coastal wetlands in Coquimbo located in the surroundings of the highway. These natural spaces play an important role as they are natural water filters, provide habitat for migratory birds, and work as buffer against natural hazards such as tsunamis. In the context of climate crisis, these areas are crucial because they act as carbon sinks.
Our P3 project Ruta del Elqui Highway connects the cities of Los Vilos and La Serena, in Chile, through a 245-kilometer roadway located in the Coquimbo region. Our responsibilities include the construction, repair, operation and maintenance of the road.