Biobio
Government Structure and Role
Population: 1.5 million (2023)
GDP: CLP$12.8 trillion / US$16 billion
Geographic area (sq miles/kilometers):
24,021 km² / 9,274 sq mi
Major economic sectors: Manufacturing, Personal Services, Financial and Business Services, Housing and Real Estate Services, Construction
Government size – number of employees: 190
Governments & Jurisdictions: 33 municipalities comprising both metropolitan and regional areas, Concepción and Los Ángeles. Three provinces: Arauco, Concepción and Biobío.
Governance on Climate Change
Key laws and strategies
In 2024, Biobío is working to finalize the Regional Climate Action Plan that aligns with Chile’s Climate Change Framework Law.
Through the Climate Change Framework Law, the Biobío region can prepare its Regional Climate Change Action Plan to define the objectives and instruments of climate change management at the regional and communal level. In this context, the Biobío region has the opportunity to organize management of regional climate action and is considering the preparation of: a needs assessment and adaptation and mitigation measures. This plan is the responsibility of the Regional Committee for Climate Change (CORECC) and its approval is dependent on the Regional Council (CORE).
The EULA-Chile Environmental Sciences Center of the University of Concepción has been selected through a public tender to, Collect and synthesize inputs to prepare the Regional Climate Change Action Plan (PARCC) of the Biobío Region. The project methodology is based on the technical basis prepared by FAO, the implementing agency of the project through the Green Climate Fund, and has the Ministry of Environment and the Regional Government as its counterpart. The plan will be developed through a participatory process, including public consultation and instances of presentation to relevant authorities. While the planning process is in an early stage, preliminary adaptation and mitigation measures will be completed in July 2024.
Internal governance structure
Biobío is undergoing decentralization, and in the initial phases of structuring its internal governance. Central to this process is the Regional Climate Change Committee, a body comprising the Regional Governor (Chair), the technical secretariat of the Regional Ministry of Environment, the Presidential Delegate, 10 Regional Secretaries, 2 Civil Society Representatives, and municipalities within the region. This committee is tasked with formulating the region's climate change action plan. Plans are underway to finalize this structure by October 2024, ensuring inclusivity and effectiveness in addressing climate issues at the regional level. Municipalities are responsible for incorporating the climate change variable into local planning, programs, and ordinances.
Recent and Projected Impacts: MCAP Priority Climate Risks
Drought; The region faces a pressing climate challenge related to water scarcity and drought, which heavily impacts the agriculture sector that is reliant on large amounts of water. The vulnerability to changing rainfall patterns results in reduced crop yields, affecting food availability and leading to rising prices.
Wildfires: Biobío is susceptible to wildfires, particularly during dry and windy conditions. Data shows an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires in recent years, leading to damage to forests, loss of biodiversity, threats to property and infrastructure, and risks to human health and safety. Two-thirds of urban settlements in Biobío face moderate to severe fire risks.
Extreme Heat: The region experiences periods of extreme heat, especially during the summer months, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). These high temperatures pose health risks, strain infrastructure, and exacerbate other climate-related hazards such as wildfires and droughts.