Las Dunas
The Concón Dunes on Chile’s central coast are a unique and fragile natural ecosystem that has been increasingly threatened by real estate development and insufficient environmental protection. The coastal dunes are geologically distinctive and host a variety of plant and animal species, supported by a particular microclimate created by their location atop coastal cliffs. Because of their ecological, scientific, and landscape value, the area was officially declared a Nature Sanctuary in 1993.
Despite this protected status, large portions of the dunes have continued to deteriorate. Intense urban expansion between Reñaca and Concón has led to the construction of high-rise residential buildings directly adjacent to, and in some cases within, the dune system. This development has permanently altered the landscape and disrupted natural processes. In addition to construction, uncontrolled human activities such as off-road vehicles, littering, and informal recreational use have further damaged the ecosystem. The situation is worsened by the absence of a comprehensive management and conservation plan, as well as weak enforcement by public authorities.
Environmental organizations and citizen groups, particularly the movement Duna Viva in collaboration with Fundación Yarur Bascuñán, have attempted to halt this destruction through legal action. They have filed multiple legal appeals against construction projects, arguing that these developments were approved without proper environmental impact assessments. However, Chilean courts, specifically the Court of Appeals in Valparaíso, have rejected these claims, allowing construction to proceed and reinforcing the sense that the legal system has failed to adequately protect the dunes.
While the area is legally recognized as a protected natural sanctuary, economic interests, urban pressure, and ineffective governance continue to undermine its preservation. The project follows the dune for one day. From 5am to 9:30pm.
Despite this protected status, large portions of the dunes have continued to deteriorate. Intense urban expansion between Reñaca and Concón has led to the construction of high-rise residential buildings directly adjacent to, and in some cases within, the dune system. This development has permanently altered the landscape and disrupted natural processes. In addition to construction, uncontrolled human activities such as off-road vehicles, littering, and informal recreational use have further damaged the ecosystem. The situation is worsened by the absence of a comprehensive management and conservation plan, as well as weak enforcement by public authorities.
Environmental organizations and citizen groups, particularly the movement Duna Viva in collaboration with Fundación Yarur Bascuñán, have attempted to halt this destruction through legal action. They have filed multiple legal appeals against construction projects, arguing that these developments were approved without proper environmental impact assessments. However, Chilean courts, specifically the Court of Appeals in Valparaíso, have rejected these claims, allowing construction to proceed and reinforcing the sense that the legal system has failed to adequately protect the dunes.
While the area is legally recognized as a protected natural sanctuary, economic interests, urban pressure, and ineffective governance continue to undermine its preservation. The project follows the dune for one day. From 5am to 9:30pm.