Chile has ninety-two protected areas. These protected areas are divided into three categories: national parks, national reserves, and natural monuments. National parks are usually extensive areas with diverse environments that are unique or representative of the natural biological diversity of the country. They are generally not altered by human actions, and are capable of self-perpetuating. Plant and animal species or geological formations are used as tools for educational, scientific, or recreational uses. Preservation is a main objective. National Reserves are areas whose natural resources are essential to conserve. Natural monuments are most often smaller areas characterized by the presence of native species of plants and animals or by the existence of geological sites relevant to scenic, cultural, or scientific purposes.

Related Links

• Go Chile
• Park systems
• Chilean National Parks