A deadly wildfire has engulfed Chile’s national botanical garden in Viña del Mar, threatening one of the world’s largest centers for botanical conservation and research. The fire has claimed at least 123 lives across the country, including a greenhouse keeper, her mother, and two grandsons.
The botanical garden, spanning 1,000 acres along Chile’s central coast, is home to over 1,000 tree species. Among them are rare cacti, exotic plants from Europe and Asia, and some of the last known Sophora toromiro trees, now extinct in the wild. These endemic species are at risk of total destruction as the flames consume the area.
On Friday afternoon, staff urgently evacuated several hundred visitors as the fire approached. Despite their efforts, New York Times reports indicate that 98% of the garden has been destroyed.
The loss of this botanical haven not only impacts Chile’s natural heritage but also poses a significant setback for global conservation efforts. The garden has been a critical site for researchers and academics studying endemic plant species and ecological preservation.
Environmentalists are raising concerns about the long-term effects of the fire on biodiversity. The destruction of rare plant species could have ripple effects on ecosystems and conservation programs worldwide.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the wildfire and mobilizing resources to contain it. International support and collaboration may be necessary to aid in recovery and preservation efforts once the immediate danger has passed.
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Deadly wildfire engulfs one of the world's largest botanic gardens in Chile
cgtn.com
