An island approximately 2000 miles off the coast of Chile has been selected by National Geographic to be preserved as a marine park. This designation would mean that visitors to the island would only be allowed for educational and observational activities. Chile’s Salas y Gómez Island has never been inhabited by people and consists of two large rocks connected by a narrow isthmus.
The island has caught the attention of National Geographic as being one of the most pristine marine sites in the world. The island boasts red coral and fantastic biodiversity, which includes a very high density of sharks and algae that grows up to 100 meters long.
Chile only protects 0.03% of its ocean territories while only 2% of the world’s oceans are under some type of protection.
Officials believe this request will be well received by President Piñera as a bicentennial project.
