Valdivia's wetlands played key role in mitigating storm damage in southern Chile

While much of Chile grappled with devastating floods and river overflows during a recent severe storm that claimed at least 13 lives, the southern city of Valdivia demonstrated remarkable resilience. Located 870 kilometers south of Santiago, Valdivia's capacity to absorb excess water and resist inundation was largely attributed to its characteristic ecosystem: an extensive network of wetlands.

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The importance of wetlands lies in the fact that they are part of the hydrological system.

Valdivia boasts 77 urban wetlands and 10 peri-urban ones, collectively occupying approximately 15% of its territory and integrated directly into the city's fabric. Experts highlight that these ecosystems serve as a vital natural barrier against extreme weather events, a crucial function in the face of climate change.

Margarita Jans, a researcher at the Universidad Diego Portales's City and Territory Laboratory, explained that wetlands are integral to the hydrological system. They function as natural sponges, absorbing vast quantities of water during intense rainfall. Claudia Hidalgo-Corrotea, from the BIOMA Lab at the University of Santiago, added that these ecosystems are "great allies" in protecting against catastrophes by absorbing and reducing downstream water volumes, thereby safeguarding a significant portion of the population.

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they are great allies, as they can protect us from catastrophes by absorbing and reducing the volume of the flow downstream, thus protecting a large part of the affected population.

Chile is home to nearly 40,000 wetlands, covering millions of hectares and showcasing immense biodiversity. Sixteen of these have international recognition as Ramsar Sites, the highest global distinction for such ecosystems. However, these vital areas face threats from mining, urban expansion, drought, and pollution.

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Nature has memory.

Jans cautioned that degrading or filling wetlands diminishes urban resilience by fragmenting the hydrological system, destroying habitats, and replacing natural infrastructure with costly, high-maintenance "grey infrastructure" that offers fewer environmental benefits. She stressed the importance of integrating wetlands into urban planning as functional infrastructure capable of managing rainwater, regulating temperatures, providing public spaces, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing urban adaptation to extreme weather.

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The smartest and most convenient thing is to learn from nature and design with it, not against it.