Conservation Value:

This project is expanded in scope where the intital three sites in the new Maullin wetlands reserve network support more than 1 percent of the biogeographic population of the Hudsonian Godwit. The reserves are also important to Whimbrel, Sanderling, Yellowlegs, and other migratory shorebird species.  Over 100 species of migratory and resident species of shorebirds and waterbirds have been recorded there.  The area has been greatly increased in size with the establishment of a Natural Sanctuary for most of the Maullin watershed from the mountains to the sea.

Threats:

Maullín has several significant coastal wetlands that were formally protected. The municipality was open to designating three coastal wetlands as bird reserves, but lacked capacity to do the needed groundwork and management plan. Enter ICFC partner Conservación Marina, who saw an opportunity to develop bird-oriented tourism and protect the sites for thousands of coastal birds.  Threats include unregulated recreational activities, uncontrolled sheep and cattle, and roaming or feral dogs.  Other potentical threats include coastal development projects, such as the siting of wind turbines.

Actions & Results:

ICFC’s project in Chile benefits one of the world’s “long haul” migrants—the Hudsonian godwit, which is capable of single flights of 10,000 km.
The project with Fundación Conservación Marina began in 2015 with the establishment of five small, protected wetlands (918 ha) at the mouth of theMaullín River. It has since expanded down the coast to Chiloé and upriver to its mountain origins for a total area of nearly 10,000 ha. The project is now year-round program that works with a growing number of local communities, including the local Mapuche Indigenous people, and all levels of government. Key to the success here has been the strong focus on birding tourism, which has resulted in mapped birding trails, public bird-watching blinds, books and posters, and a daily presence.  A Reserve Network is now protected by Conservacion Marina, the city of Maullin, and the federal government of Chile.  This has been done with broad local support from communities, government and the indigenous people in the region.  A management plan was developed through a participatory process and lays out a five-year action plan. Ecotourism capacity has been developed to help attract Chilean and foreign tourists. Local ecotourism providers received training and the project developed a bird guide, a birding trail, public bird observation blinds, and interpretive panels and posters. Tourism provides financial benefits to local communities, which helps to ensure the long-term protection of coastal ecosystems. Another achievement is the designation of the Maullin wetlands as a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network Site of Regional Importance.