#OnlyOneEarth is the campaign slogan with which the United Nations will celebrate World Environment Day on June 5. This emblematic date, which aims to promote global awareness and action for the environment, was designated at the first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in 1972. Although 50 years have passed since then, the mission is as relevant now as it was then.

It is no surprise to anyone that planet Earth is now facing its deepest crisis yet. We are talking about a problem that has three fundamental axes according to the UN. “The climate is warming too fast for people and nature to adapt, habitat loss has caused approximately one million species to become endangered; and pollution continues to poison our air, water, and land.”

Sweden will once again be the host nation for this event, where the key environmental concerns and initiatives to manage this crisis will be presented. Among them is a 10-year ecosystem restoration program. Preventing, halting, and reversing damage. Moving from exploiting nature to healing it. A mission that seeks to revive billions of hectares, because “only through healthy ecosystems can we improve people’s livelihoods, counteract climate change, and halt the collapse of biodiversity,” says the UN.

Gran Reserva: Nature preservation in Ucúquer

In the central zone of Chile, specifically in Litueche, in the Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins Region, lies the Ucúquer Estate. Among the vineyards from which Gran Reserva wines originate, this is the most important Estate. The brand’s commitment to the environment translates into protecting and respecting the biodiversity of our place of origin and its natural resources.

One example of this lies in the fact that Viña Concha y Toro  contribute directly to the protection and conservation of 1,432 hectares of native sclerophyllous forest, of which 235 hectares are located in the Ucúquer Estate and were studied in depth in order to identify its flora and fauna species, as well as areas of high biological value.

Among the results found, 34% of the plant species are of native origin (52 species), which is to say that 65% of all species registered during the sampling on the property are native to Chile. Of these, three endangered species were found: the perennials Puya Chilensis (Chagual) and Calydorea xiphioides (Tahay), and the evergreen tree Persea lingue (Lingue), a species from the O’Higgins Region that has been declared “Vulnerable”. In terms of fauna, 62 vertebrate species were registered, with birds being the dominant group with 46 species, followed by 10 types of mammals, and 6 reptiles and amphibians.

As for origin, 82% corresponded to native species. However, the species of reptiles and amphibians are all in danger of extinction.

Along with other lines of action considered, this information has the objective of safeguarding the biological biodiversity of the Gran Reserva Concha y Toro vineyards and thus maintain the conditions that facilitate the evolution of these species and their ecosystem. The idea is to produce quality wines with unique characteristics, but always in a sustainable manner, thus contributing to the care of the environment.

Responsible water consumption is another example of the actions conducted at the Ucúquer Estate, by way of Barrier Balls technology, used to reduce water evaporation and the cleaning of the irrigation dam, as well as the use of clean and renewable energies, which this vineyard receives from the Peumo and Fundo Villa Estates, which have their own solar plants.

As you can see, this portfolio of consciously produced wines, such as Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, is an excellent option when it comes to raising a glass, especially on special occasions such as World Environment Day.