Montt Group Legal Bulletin
Central Andean Mining Breaking News
Chile: Suspension of the Process for Determining Priority Sites for Biodiversity Conservation
Publication Date: November 13, 2025
Executive Summary
On November 13, 2025, Chile’s Ministry of the Environment announced the temporary suspension of the process to define the first official list of Priority Sites for Biodiversity Conservation in the country’s Northern, Central, and Southern macrozones.
This decision follows the public consultation initiated through Exempt Resolutions No. 5715, 5716, and 5717 (2025), and reflects the Ministry’s intent to conduct a more thorough review of the inputs and observations submitted during the participatory process, as well as issues raised during meetings between the Minister of the Environment, Maisa Rojas, the Director of the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service (SBAP), Aarón Cavieres, and representatives of productive sectors, territorial organizations, and civil society.
Background and Consultation Process
The public consultation, carried out under Transitory Article 8 of Law No. 21,600, received over 2,000 comments and observations from stakeholders. These submissions constitute a significant contribution to clarifying the scope, criteria, and potential effects of the initial proposal.
The Ministry emphasized that these inputs will help strengthen this public policy, providing greater certainty to all actors involved and ensuring that the final design adequately reflects both conservation objectives and territorial realities.
Current Status and Next Steps
The environmental authority stated that it is actively working to clarify outstanding questions, evaluate the feedback received, and maintain open spaces for dialogue. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, participatory, and evidence-based process, aiming to balance environmental protection goals with sustainable development that includes all sectors of society.
The results of the analysis and any modifications to the proposed list of Priority Sites will be communicated once the corresponding technical and administrative review is complete.
Montt Group Comments
The temporary suspension of the process provides an opportunity for both the public and private sectors to contribute further to a balanced framework that safeguards biodiversity while supporting regional and productive development.
Montt Group recommends that companies, particularly those in mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors, closely monitor the upcoming announcements from the Ministry of the Environment and the SBAP, as future definitions of Priority Sites may directly influence land-use planning, environmental assessment procedures, and project permitting.
