The initiative led by the Maratue project seeks to preserve this green area of 125 hectares, promoting learning and ecological awareness among students, social organizations and those interested in nature. In the place you can find information about the Northern Accorn, the Quirilluca cliffs geosite, birds such as the piquero (blue-footed booby) and a number of native fauna species that are under constant monitoring and protection.
Franco Venegas, Socio-environmental and Territorial Manager at Maratue, comments that the area has undergone a significant change. Previously, this land was exposed to campfires and fires, the presence of dogs, and activities that put the environment at risk, whereas now the trails and basic conservation rules have been enhanced to organize visits, restrict certain activities, and protect the most vulnerable sectors, with the presence of trails and the support of park rangers.
In terms of education, the park has become an open-air classroom. Juan Pedro Figueroa, Principal of Colegio General Velásquez school, explains that for the inhabitants of the commune of Puchuncavi, Quirilluca is a meeting place, and nowadays it is even more relevant because of the value of the geosite and the presence of unique nature in central Chile. He also mentions that as an educational institution they highlight the importance of these conditions since they value their proximity to this park as an open space for learning.
“To this end, we work in an interdisciplinary way Physical Education is responsible for delivering the necessary knowledge for a trekking of these characteristics and highlight the importance of sport to lead a healthy life. In the Gastronomy specialty that we offer in the school, teachers deliver knowledge about the healthy eating necessary for the activity,” Figueroa says.
He adds that, “in English, they are taught to promote this natural space in another language. In Science we work with the flora and fauna of the place. In History and Geography, we focus on local history and the geographic location of our commune”.
In that sense, he indicates that in addition to the conservation that is developed in the territory, the project contemplates inclusive conditions for education. “The youngest children also participate in these activities, they arrive at the site by bus, thanks to the existence of a vehicular road to reach the park, and they have a spectacular experience with nature. The teachers and education assistants also do the walk in the context of teacher self-care, where a time in nature helps to keep them emotionally well”.
Quirilluca Park continues to consolidate itself as a center for environmental education, which is why, according to Venegas, it is currently making alliances with various organizations to improve its infrastructure, incorporate more informative infographics and install educational stations to enhance the experience of students and teachers.
For his part, Fabrizio Valenzuela, in charge of tourism activities for the Municipality of Puchuncavi, stressed the importance of this type of awareness-raising event, after years of the commune being associated with pollution as a sacrifice zone.
“We have a number of scenic wonders. It is important that the people of the commune know the natural heritage that is theirs and these spaces give us knowledge, history; it is a whole circle of sustainable work in time and we seek with the capital of sustainable sports tourism, to appeal for incorporating the whole community,” he said.
It should be noted that Quirilluca Park is a conservation area located in the former Fundo Quirilluca ranch, open free of charge to the entire community. The park is part of the territorial planning carried out by Maratue, which with each visit reinforces the commitment to protect this valuable ecosystem.
A natural scenery turned into an open-air classroom. Quirilluca Park opens its doors to the community to promote learning, ecological awareness and well-being, demonstrating that it is possible to recover spaces and carry out sustainable tourism.
