On World Water Day, over ten grassroots organizations united to advocate for water and environmental protection in response to the environmental policy backslide exhibited by the current administration.

The Regional Governments of Santiago and Valparaíso have signed a landmark agreement aimed at protecting and regenerating the entire Maipo River watershed, reinforcing the urgent need for water source protection amid a worsening climate crisis.

On March 22, thousands mobilized across various locations in Chile, unified under the slogan "Reclaiming Water Means Reclaiming Dignity." Environmental organizations, Indigenous communities, and citizens demanded an end to the extractivist model, denouncing setbacks in water rights under Kast's government.

Rodrigo Mundaca criticizes climate denialism and the model of water privatization in Chile. He highlights that the concentration of water rights and poor environmental decisions exacerbate the water crisis. Mundaca warns that global challenges do not wait for ideological biases and urges prioritizing water as a human right.

The Pewen Defense Coordinator (CODE Pewen) condemns Minister García Ruminot's caricatured statements about “three araucarias,” clarifying that the actual impact involves 96 authorized for felling and over a thousand intervened individuals. They criticize the exclusion of indigenous consultation, a lack of respect for culture, transparency issues, and ignorance of low-impact alternatives.

Environmental organizations urge a demonstration to demand the de-privatization of natural resources and to challenge the measures taken by the Kast administration.

René Saffirio emphasized that this plan includes over 40 concrete measures aimed at reducing 70 tons of phosphate within 15 years, asserting that "delaying its implementation is not only an unacceptable environmental risk but also directly impacts tourism, employment, and the quality of life for thousands of families."

Valued at $21 million, the project includes a high-impact complex featuring a gaming casino, restaurants, event halls, a convention center, and a commercial boulevard. This is situated in the former FITAL area, adjacent to the Cajón del Río Claro urban wetland and Estero Piduco, which was officially recognized in 2024 and subjected to enhanced environmental protection standards.

Deputy Coca Ñanco emphasized that "what is happening with the Decontamination Plan for Villarrica Lake is deeply concerning. We are talking about a key instrument to protect an ecosystem that is already showing signs of deterioration and has even led to serious health situations, such as the poisoning of young people participating in activities on the lake. It is unacceptable to halt or postpone its processing."

Kast's attack on 43 environmental decrees has unleashed an offensive from hundreds of organizations, warning of profound setbacks in environmental protection and community rights.