La Higuera, Landau 8th of May 2025. The Estancia Yerba Buena in the municipality of La Higuera has a rich flora and fauna. Around 88 bird species (1) are regularly observed. There is lucumillo (Myrcianthes coquimbensis) (2), an evergreen shrub that grows exclusively in the province of Elqui, Coquimbo and whose population is unfortunately endangered. The estancia is 4.5 square kilometres (450 hectares) in size and is located on the road from Caleta Hornos to Totoralillo and Chungungo. The owners, all members of one family, have decided to protect their property and use their land for ecotourism. To this end, they have founded the ‘Agrupación Cultural, Social y Medioambiental Yerba Buena’ (3). The aims of the group are
- The conservation of biodiversity,
- to promote awareness of the historical, cultural and ecological value of this area and
- independent living and social action within the community.
Jesica Osorio, President of the Agrupación, explains the objective: ‘As a family, community and group, we want to protect this place because of its wealth of flora, fauna and history. ... Not only to protect, but also to reforest and recover the flora of this place.’
In 2024, the Yerba Buena Group and the Sphenisco Chile Foundation developed the idea of creating an information point. The joint project aims to raise awareness of the unique biodiversity of the Humboldt Archipelago, its endemism and its importance as an endangered habitat.
The estancia is located in a transitional area between the climate of the Atacama Desert and that of the middle sea. This location is the basis for a rich native flora with high endemism and great vulnerability. This makes this ecosystem particularly valuable. Added to this is the important history of various pre-Hispanic peoples and human settlements that have existed in the coastal area of the archipelago from time immemorial to the present day.
The information point should be freely accessible and consist of the following elements:
1. a monument-like sculpture of a common pilpilén (Haematopus palliatus) (4) as a symbol of welcome,
2. four signs (60 x 90 cm) with ecological and cultural information about the coastal
- about the coastal vegetation and endemic species,
- A map of the archipelago and descriptions of the fauna and flora using a QR code,
- Information on wildlife observation routes.
3. a shaded area with four seats for resting and contemplating.
The three metre high Pilpilén sculpture with outstretched wings will be created by Alexis Araya, an artist from the region, from recycled waste (discarded cars, especially plastic bumpers). The sculpture will be firmly anchored to the ground with iron girders and painted with car paint to preserve the quality and durability of the colours. The four signs will also be resistant to humidity and UV light in accordance with the environmental conditions. Stainless steel plates will be used, which will be engraved and painted in low relief. Durable, sun- and moisture-resistant materials will also be used for the shaded seating. The canopy consists of a UV and water-resistant tensile fabric and is designed to allow air to circulate. Earthy and neutral colours are used so that the objects blend harmoniously into the landscape. The seating is positioned in such a way that it facilitates social interaction and encourages people to contemplate the landscape (see also pictures of designs).
The Yerba Buena Group will construct and maintain the information point. The group will also present the project in the context of local educational programmes, educational workshops and lectures, as well as exhibitions of local arts and crafts. The impact on the appreciation of the Humboldt Archipelago will be evaluated and the functioning of the Info Point will be reported on.
Yerba Buena and Sphenisco Chile have developed the concept and signed a cooperation agreement to realise the info point and offer it on a permanent basis. The project is sponsored by Frankfurt Zoo.
W. K.
notes
(1) Website eBird https://ebird.org/hotspot/L5458420/recent-checklists
(2) Lucumillo (Myrcianthes coquimbensis). The evergreen shrub is endemic along the coast of the province of Elqui in the Coquimbo region, is endangered and produces an edible fruit.
(3) Agrupación Cultural, Social y Medioambiental Yerba Buena - Yerba Buena Cultural, Social and Environmental Association
(4) Pilpilén (Haematopus palliatus), brown-mantled oystercatcher belongs to the oystercatcher family and is found in North, Central and South America.
