Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 84 (2): 171-180, 2011
Chronicle of a foretold conflict: Three coal-fired power plants in a biodiversity
hotspot of global significance
P. FRANCISCO CÁRCAMO, MARITZA CORTÉS, LORENA ORTEGA, FRANCISCO A. SQUEO &
In recent years, Chilean increasing energy needs have promoted the creation
of many initiatives to generate electricity. The possible installation of three coal-fired power plants in the coastal area north
of the Region of Coquimbo and close to areas identified as key to the conservation and management of marine (e.g.,
marine reserves, management and exploitation areas for benthic resources) and terrestrial (e.g., national reserve, priority
sites) biodiversity, has generated social conflicts and raised concerns about the location and compatibility with others
proposed uses for the area. This commentary proposes the conflict that arises between the need to cope with Chile’s energy
needs and the implementation of conservation and management of natural resources initiatives. We describe the
ecological and economic significance and importance of the area of possible installation of power plants and the main
impacts reported for this type of technology on human and ecosystem health. Finally, we suggest approaches and tools that
can help in decision-making and conflicts resolution.
coal-fired
power plants, conservation, marine reserves, marine spatial planning, social conflict
