Chile – Best adventure destination and future nature conservation leader

Chile has two new reasons to celebrate: It was elected best country for adventure tourism in Latin America, and is being considered for a marine park.
Chile won the World Travel Awards as best destination for adventure tourism in Latin America. The award ceremony took place in Bogotá, Colombia, and is considered the “Oscar of tourism”.
The Pacific waters around Easter Island may soon be claimed as the third-biggest marine park worldwide. If the Rapa Nui, the indigenous inhabitants of Easter Island, agree to the government’s plans, fishing will be prohibited in an area of 631,368 sq km (243,630 sq miles). This will help to prevent illegal fishing, which currently endangers biodiversity. Local fishermen will still be allowed to go fishing up to 50 m from shore. The marine park will help to maintain marine diversity, while still allowing the Rapa Nui to continue their cultural traditions. This is a big step for nature conservation and could turn Easter Island into an international role model for protecting the sea.