We performed the the most comprehensive multidisciplinary diagnosis that exists on the Maule mountain range, a study that integrated the inventory of geological, biological, tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the territory. This work included extensive field campaigns, the detailed characterization of more than one hundred potential geosites, the identification of key ecosystems and species —including endemic fauna and flora—, the registration of archaeological sites and historical cultural manifestations, and an analysis of threats and vulnerabilities of the territory.

The study also incorporated a territorial governance proposal, aligned with the standards of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, and tools to guide future planning: thematic maps, zoning models, conservation criteria, geotourism guidelines and a conceptual framework for the sustainable development of the geopark.

The result is a robust scientific, technical and methodological basis, which today guides the management of the territory and constitutes one of the pillars for the formal nomination of San Clemente as UNESCO Global Geopark.

In partnership with CONAF and thanks to funding from the Ministry of Science's Public Science program, we designed and built a Interactive museum room in Vilches, Located within the CONAF Environmental Information Center, this exhibition—free and open to the public—combines science, art and technology to explain climate change, natural hazards and the dynamics of the Maule Andes in an accessible and meaningful way.

Since its opening, the room has received thousands of visitors, Among tourists, families, and school groups, it has become one of the most important educational landmarks in the municipality. To enhance its impact, we developed mediation sessions together with Geology students from the Catholic University of Maule, who guide different activities, talk with visitors and provide a scientific perspective.

We have promoted and coordinated research in glaciology, volcanology, biodiversity (mainly focused on flora), archaeology and land management, working with regional and national universities. This work has allowed us to develop glacier mass balances, studies of endemic flora, Systematic monitoring of geosites, analysis of natural hazards, and various scientific outreach projects that bring knowledge closer to the community.

Our main academic partner is the Catholic University of Maule (UCM), an institution with which we maintain an ongoing collaboration. Thanks to this partnership, the geopark receives support from researchers, students in internships, thesis students and master's degree students, who develop high-level studies directly in the territory and contribute concretely to the understanding and enhancement of the Maule Andes.

Pillanmapu has thus established itself as a natural laboratory, a living space where science is developed on the ground and at the service of heritage, sustainable management and local communities.

We have developed workshops for guides, environmental education days for schools, open talks, field trips, mediation activities in museums, educational capsules, teaching materials and audiovisual content.
Our approach is to democratize knowledge and strengthen the relationship of communities with their territory.

The Pillanmapu Geopark has established itself as a meeting place for institutions. Besides the public institutions that are part of the Geopark's daily management (Municipality of San Clemente and the Maule Regional Government), other participating and collaborating institutions include CONAF, Sernatur, Seremi MA, Seremi BBNN, and CRDP Maule.

This collaborative governance is at the heart of the geopark model and allows progress towards sustainable, coherent and long-term territorial management.

Collaboration with private institutions is fundamental to the development of the Pillanmapu Geopark. We work with foundations, tour operators, accommodations, local businesses and committed companies with conservation, education, and sustainable tourism in the Maule mountain range. These partnerships provide technical capabilities, on-the-ground experience, essential services for visitors, and a direct connection with the communities in the region.

Many of these actors are part of the Geopark Stakeholder Network, a program that brings together local guides, accommodations, operators, artisans and community projects under a model of quality and co-responsibility with the territory.