Chile Program Office
University of North Texas
Environmental Education, Science & Technology Bldg. 325C
PO Box 310920
Denton, TX 76203
Phone: 940-369-8211
Alt Phone: 940-565-2981
Fax: 940-565-4448
Email: chile@unt.edu
Physical Location:
EESAT Building
1704 West Mulberry St.
Puerto Williams
Puerto Williams, located on Isla Navarino (55oS), is the heart of the UNESCO Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve. With a population of nearly 2000, it is the capital of the Chilean Antarctic Province and the southernmost city of the world. While in Puerto Williams, students, teachers, and visitors can learn about the rich cultural and biological diversity of the region.
The Yahgan culture persists through their descendants living in the area and the distinct efforts to preserve the almost extinct Yahgan language. The Omora Ethnobotanical Park (located 3 km west of Puerto Williams) allows visitors to learn about the biodiversity of the mosses, lichens, and liverworts that can be found within the sub-Antarctic Magellanic Region in addition to the biocultural relationship between society and all the living organisms. Puerto Williams is also the house of the University of Magallanes Campus, which receives national and international students, teachers, and scientists that seek to gain a better understanding of the area and its natural and cultural resources.