Punta Piqueros - "encanto con la naturaleza"

Environmental activism here seems to work most effectively when deployed for political ends. Private initiatives are not so successful.

A case in point is the Hotel Punta Piqueros, in Con Con which has been constructed beside a declared Nature Sanctuary, the Dunas de Con Con, (itself under threat by property development)

Disregarding the environmental impact, its emplacement shows a stunning disrespect for the forces of nature. Not only is it routinely exposed to the destructive effects of Pacific storms, even a moderate Tsunami would flood its lower levels. And the long-term structural effects of exposure to corrosive salt air, (and seawater in this case) are well known.

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But despite years of legal battles, construction was only paralysed by the Supreme Court in 2021. Its future is uncertain, the financiers include some of the most powerful of Chile’s familias ricas who will undoubtedly lobby the powers-that-be.

Its yet another example of urban Chilean consumers’ deluded “encanto con la naturaleza” which destroys the very environment they claim to love, and puts themselves at risk at the same time.

I lived for about 6 months within walking distance of this remarkable site in 2015 or 2016, this is one of the most Cuico parts of ConCon (montemar), and there were a number of other good examples of similar destructive projects, including those causing damage to these very dunes, or the nearby pine forest, and more. Yes, I hear you.