Environmental Delegates at CEST, Chile Attend a Talk on Water Conservation and Urban Wetlands

On March 23, the student environmental delegates from the South Campus participated in a talk on water conservation and Talca’s urban wetlands, as part of Planet and Water Care Week, an initiative that promotes environmental education.

The event was organized by Professor Nicolás Ulloa, head of the Comprehensive Ecology Committee, and aimed to empower students and their families as key players in preserving the planet, fostering an active respect for the natural environment.

The event featured the participation of Matías Sobarzo, a representative from ReSimple, whoexplained the recycling process carried out in Talca, highlighting the role of this organization as the first nonprofit initiative to take on the challenge of implementing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law for containers and packaging. He also encouraged students to become aware of proper waste management, promoting a responsible approach to recycling.  

For his part, Carlos Bichet, a member of the Talca Urban Wetlands Community Committee, discussed the importance of these ecosystems, highlighting their location within the city and the measures needed to care for them. He also provided information on the flora and fauna found in these areas, emphasizing the importance of their protection, especially in areas near the Claro River and the Piduco Estuary.

In this context, it was noted that Chile has made progress in protecting these areas through Law 21.202 on the protection of urban wetlands, a regulation that has allowed for the preservation of more than 100 wetlands in various cities across the country.  Both presentations served as a significant impetus to motivate the students to care for water and the environment, promoting concrete actions such as strengthening recycling (eco-boxes) in every classroom, and preventing pollution in rivers and estuaries.  The students expressed their interest in continuing to actively participate as environmental delegates, strengthening their commitment to caring for their school and its entire surroundings. 

 The activity reaffirms CEST’s commitment to the holistic education of its students, promoting an environmentally conscious and responsible education.