Chilean Minister of Environment, María Ignacia Benítez Pereira visited New Zealand between 24 and 27 of September

The Chilean Minister of Environment, María Ignacia Benítez Pereira visited New Zealand between the 24 and 27 of September. During her visit, the Minister met with the New Zealand Minister of Enviornment, Hon Nick Smith and the Minister Responsible for Climate Change Negotiations, Hon Tim Groser.

During Minister Benítez’s visit to New Zealand, she focused on themes of the protection of biodiversity and climate change. In this context, the Minister visited “Zealandia”, a unique eco-sanctuary in Wellington city dedicated to the protection of endangered species. In terms of the mitigation of climate change the Minister visited renewable energy projects, including a hydroelectric centre, a geothermal power plant and a wind energy farm. Minister Benítez also visited a wood pellet plant which uses plantation timber and geothermal energy to create clean-burning fuel for heating.

Ministers Smith and Benítez took the opportunity to release a joint statement which highlights the value of the past cooperative activities between our countries and discusses future opportunities for cooperation.