Cerro Castillo National Park was originally created under the category of Forest Reserve in 1970, the same area was recategorized to a National Park in 2017, its current area is 143,502 hectares. This National Park is linked to six neighboring communities in districts of Coyhaique and Río Ibáñez. It has a management plan and a public use plan, both developed with broad community participation, social organizations and related public services. Protected ecosystems, vegetation formations, diversity in general and threats are addressed with an adequate monitoring system of conservation objects, obtaining quality information that allows making management decisions for an adequate protection and conservation of this national park. Of particular beauty is the mountain that gives the national park its name. In addition, its Andean Patagonian forests stand out, along with the protection of fauna species with great biological and cultural importance as huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus), emblematic and endangered specie that find its principal conservation area in this park
Conservation
There is a monitoring plan within the Management Plan, the conservation objects are clearly defined. There is a monitoring methodology with camera traps, with the Park being one of the examples at the national level.
Good governance
Map of Actors with inter-institutional work, Community Linkage Plan (in process). Official Participation Mechanism is active (Advisory Council). Rights-holding actors and stakeholders were identified. There is greater transparency in management, access to information, protocols established in different situations, and a social engagement plan.
Community benefits
The reactivation of the Advisory Council has made it possible to establish an official mechanism for participation, providing a space for opinions and joint ideas between the community and the Park team. More about the benefits is being found out by monitoring the objects of human welfare.
Cerro Castillo National Park was originally created under the category of Forest Reserve in 1970, the same area was recategorized to a National Park in 2017, its current area is 143,502 hectares. This National Park is linked to six neighboring communities in districts of Coyhaique and Río Ibáñez. It has a management plan and a public use plan, both developed with broad community participation, social organizations and related public services.
Protected ecosystems, vegetation formations, diversity in general and threats are addressed with an adequate monitoring system of conservation objects, obtaining quality information that allows making management decisions for an adequate protection and conservation of this national park. Of particular beauty is the mountain that gives the national park its name.
In addition, its Andean Patagonian forests stand out, along with the protection of fauna species with great biological and cultural importance as huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus), emblematic and endangered specie that find its principal conservation area in this park.
The evaluation process of the Candidate Phase of Cerro Castillo National Park formally began in August 2023, with the initial review concluding in February 2024. The EAGL Chile (Expert Assessment Group for the Green List) identified major shortcomings in the justifications provided, which made it difficult to understand the site’s management processes. This was also noted by Carlos Escobar, the assigned ASI reviewer. In response, the EAGL requested that the site revise all justifications and submit coherent action plans, when pertinent. This revision process continued until December 2024. The EAGL’s field visit to the site was conducted from March 24 to 29, 2025, focusing on four key areas: (1) effective participation of rights-holders and stakeholders in the recently reactivated Consultative Council; (2) coherence among planning, control, and management instruments; (3) analysis of threats; and (4) conservation outcomes.
The visit confirmed a strong commitment from the park’s management team to continuous improvement. After completing the evaluation of each indicator, the EAGL met on June 25, 2025, to deliberate on the proposal to the Green List certification. The EAGL particularly highlighted the following considerations, per each of the Green List components:
Component 1: Governance Significant progress has been made in governance, especially in the area of stakeholder engagement. The Consultative Council has been reactivated and is functioning, with enhanced coordination among territorial actors. Further participation strategies beyond the Council are being encouraged. The delineation of responsibilities among stakeholders has improved, and new efforts are being made to engage with the northern zone of the site. On transparency, there is a serious attempt to comply with national transparency mechanisms (e.g., public records, access to information laws) at the local level. A Gender Committee has been created within the Council, integrating gender considerations into the action plan. Although Indigenous communities are not legal rights-holders in the context of this site, they are recognized as key stakeholders and are being considered in Council activities. The site team has shown clear improvement in communicating and aligning its documentation with IUCN language, allowing the EAGL to fully understand and assess their strategies. All governance-related indicators and corresponding action plans are deemed satisfactory.
Component 2: Planning The Management Plan is concise, well-structured, and aligned with the language used under the Conservation Standards, allowing for a clear evaluation. Some inconsistencies in maps and threat management relate to threat indicators, and are currently being addressed. They are undertaking climate change vulnerability analyses that are appropriate and context-specific. Regarding integration of the site into conservation networks, while local actions are underway, the EAGL deems that broader network design and management is a matter of national and/or local policy and should not fall solely on the site. Despite limited human and financial resources, the team’s performance has been exemplary. All planning-related indicators are fully met.
Component 3: Effective Management The site has matured in its management processes. A notable improvement is the new methodology for measuring visitor impacts. All identified issues are being actively addressed, although some opportunities (particularly in infrastructure) were missed due to resource limitations. Seven new action plans have been developed; five are already being implemented. Eight indicators have reached full compliance. Several of these actions depend on CONAF’s central offices, highlighting the need for national-level support. Strengthening management and continued monitoring of the park’s northern zone is urgent. The area’s authorities are aware of the needs for this purpose, and requesting staff reinforcement. All indicators under this component are met.
Component 4: Conservation Outcomes Monitoring systems and conservation targets demonstrate progress toward achieving biological conservation objectives. Mid-term evaluations and 2030 goals are in place. The site is also advancing in cultural and human well-being conservation efforts. All outcome-related indicators are met. Conclusion The site demonstrates strong alignment with the Green List Standard and a commitment to continuous improvement.
The evaluation process has been thorough and transparent, and the site has addressed challenges constructively. The EAGL Chile therefore recommends including Cerro Castillo National Park in the IUCN Green List.
