The Concon Estuary, located in the coastal region of Valpara-iso, Chile, is a vital transitional zone between the Aconcagua River and the Pacific Ocean. It boasts rich biodiversity and adynamic landscape that constantly changes throughout the days, seasons and years– where river meanders, ocean tides fluctuate, sediment flows, and birds are free to come and go.

However, human activities, including urban development, pollution from the ENAP oil refinery, the Asfalcom cement factory, sand mining, waste dumping, and unregulated recreational activities, have placed significant pressure on the ecosystem. This constant resource extraction and exploitation has led to more frequent and intense storm surges, increased flood risks due to rising sea levels, habitat loss, saltwater intrusion, shifting river course and unregulated activities.

For more information:

GIS Story Map

GSAPP Urban Design Spring Publication:
Earth Studio: Landscapes of Repair