campusnaturaleza@udec.cl
Concepción, Chile
Campus Naturaleza UdeC
What is Campus Naturaleza?
Whose initiative is it?
It is an initiative of the University of Concepción aimed at biodiversity conservation and human well-being to address local and global socio-ecological challenges through ecological restoration and nature-based solutions. It is a place where science-based education and recreation activities will be implemented, allowing humans to connect with nature.
Where it operates?
The project is being carried out on land belonging to the University of Concepción, adjacent to its main campus. Visually, Campus Naturaleza is situated on the hills visible in the background of the university town.
What is the scope of the project?
La superficie total del proyecto contempla 186 hectáreas de infraestructura ecológica. De ellas, 143 corresponden a superficies de recuperación de áreas degradadas e intervenidas por el ser humano (restauración ecológica), 25 hectáreas de conservación de áreas de alto valor de biodiversidad (conservación in-situ) y 18 para conservación de especies en peligro de extinción, mediante jardín botánico (conservación ex-situ).
Will Campus Naturaleza be a park?
Campus Naturaleza will not be a park in the strict sense of the word. The initiative proposes going beyond this traditional concept, as it will be a place where a biodiversity conservation landscape will be implemented using nature-based solutions. The goal is for this place to become, in the near future, a reference point for biodiversity protection and human well-being through the interaction of people with the natural environment.
What does the project protect?
The project protects one of the last remaining areas of native coastal forest in the Province of Concepción and the Cordillera de la Costa, which is home to species such as roble, peumo, pitao and naranjillo, amongst others.
The Concepción Deciduous Forest is a transitional forest that bridges the Mediterranean forests of the central zone and the Valdivian forests of the south. Therefore, it contains unique and irreplaceable species and ecosystems, that have the potential to develop an unprecedented conservation project with benefits for people.
What is the sustainability focus of Campus Naturaleza UdeC?
Campus Naturaleza UdeC adopts a strong sustainability approach where the environment is a fundamental pillar of society and the economy, primarily considering the cultural and human dimensions of nature.