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Program Schedule

17:30 – 17:45：Registration

17:45 – 17:55：Welcome Remarks by the Master of Ceremonies

-Valentina Castelli, Communications, PR & Protocol Director, Chile Pavilion

Presentation of videos highlighting private conservation initiatives in Chile as a global reference

17:55 – 18:15：Opening Keynotes

-Magdalena Piñera, Executive Director of Fundación Parque Tantauco
"The Crucial Role of the Private Sector in Biodiversity Conservation"
-Mariko Hanada, Visiting Researcher, Research Institute of Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries, Osaka Prefecture.
"Environmental Challenges: Japan's Perspective"

18:15 – 19:00
-Session 1: "Innovative Environmental Care Solutions from the Private Sector"

-Opening Keynote: SHIBUYA KAZUHISA, Professor at Kwansei Gakuin University and Former Ambassador of Japan in Chile
Presentations
-Helmut HUBER – Marnik VAN CAUTER, Representative from Alerce 3000 Foundation
-Oscar LERIA, Representative from La Tapera Park Foundation
-María Paz CASTAÑO, Representative from Rewilding Chile Foundation

19:00 – 19:40
Session 2: "Sustainable Economic Activities and Environmental Education: Integrating Communities in Public and Private Conservation Efforts"

Keynote Presentation: Martin Gardner, British botanist and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his conservation work

Presentations:
-Marcello Martins, Deputy Brazil Pavilion Manager, APEX Brazil (Brazil hosts COP30, 2025)
-Myriam Gomez, Representative of International Cape Horn Center (ICHC)
-Mariko Hanada, Closing comments

19:40 – 19:50
Closing Speech: "A Model for Balancing Economic Development and Environmental Protection"

-Constanza Troppa, Head of the Biodiversity Division, Ministry of Environment of Chile

【Reflection】

The event “Patagonia and Chile's Unique Ecosystems: Private Initiatives Leading Biodiversity Conservation”, organised by the Republic of Chile, offered an inspiring insight into how private initiatives are shaping the global conversation on biodiversity conservation. Through a carefully structured programme that combined keynote addresses, video presentations, and interactive sessions, the event successfully highlighted Chile’s pivotal role as a guardian of one of the world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots.

The opening video message from Chile's Minister of Environment underscored the government's commitment to supporting these private-sector initiatives through coordinated public policy and institutional frameworks, setting a strong foundation for the discussions that followed.

The opening remarks by Ms. Valentina Castelli established a clear context, emphasising the urgency of biodiversity protection and the importance of international awareness. The keynote by Ms. Magdalena Piñera presented Fundación Parque Tantauco’s work as a strong example of how private institutions can directly influence conservation outcomes. Complementing this perspective, Ms. Mariko Hanada broadened the discussion by offering a Japanese angle, which enriched the comparative view of global challenges.

Session 1 deepened the conversation by showcasing innovative environmental solutions from the private sector. Contributions from Alerce 3000 Foundation, La Tapera Park Foundation, and Rewilding Chile Foundation demonstrated how diverse approaches—ranging from forest preservation to rewilding projects—can collectively address ecological degradation. The presence of Professor Shibuya Kazuhisa, with his academic and diplomatic background, linked Chile’s experiences to Japan, underscoring the cross-national resonance of conservation initiatives.

Session 2 expanded the dialogue by integrating community-based perspectives. The keynote by Martin Gardner, a British botanist recognised for his conservation achievements, served as a bridge to international scientific expertise. The interventions from representatives of Brazil, ICHC, and Japan reiterated that conservation cannot be isolated from economic activities and community education. By underlining how sustainable tourism, community involvement, and education can reinforce conservation, the session demonstrated practical pathways for balancing ecological integrity with social and economic well-being. This collaborative model directly aligns with the 30x30 Target of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, demonstrating how Chile's approach can serve as a replicable model for achieving global conservation goals.

The event concluded with a family picture and closing remarks by Ms. Valentina Castelli, who thanked the audience for their participation.Overall, the event fostered a sense of shared responsibility, portraying biodiversity not as a local or regional concern, but as a global imperative. The combination of scientific expertise, grassroots experience, and policy vision, and government commitment created a compelling narrative that will resonate with both policy-makers and practitioners. The event successfully positioned Chile as a regional leader in demonstrating that effective biodiversity conservation requires coordinated efforts among government, private foundations, and civil society to meet international commitments such as the 30x30 Target.

【Post EXPO Initiatives】

Building on the discussions and exchanges at the event, several post-EXPO initiatives are envisaged. First, the participating foundations from Chile expressed strong interest in developing international networks to exchange knowledge and best practices. Collaborative platforms could be established with institutions in Japan, Brazil, and Europe to share methodologies for rewilding, forest preservation, and community-based education.

Second, the emphasis on sustainable tourism and community integration points towards the creation of pilot projects that link Chilean and Japanese communities through cultural and environmental exchanges. These could involve student exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, and the development of eco-tourism models that draw lessons from both Patagonia and Japan’s satoyama landscapes.

Third, the event suggested a need for financial and institutional mechanisms to support private sector initiatives. Post-EXPO, Chile could lead the creation of a transnational fund or partnership model that channels private investment into biodiversity conservation, aligning with global climate finance goals. Such initiatives would directly support the achievement of the 30x30 Target by scaling up protected areas through innovative public-private partnerships, while complementing multilateral funding sources while strengthening the role of local communities.

Finally, the event provided momentum for positioning Chile as a global reference in biodiversity conservation within the framework of Expo 2025’s legacy. By maintaining the international visibility gained during the programme, Chile can continue to convene dialogues, publish case studies, and advocate for biodiversity conservation in global forums. These steps will ensure that the Expo event is not an isolated showcase, but the beginning of a sustained movement towards protecting ecosystems as a collective human responsibility.