Ministry for the Environment (Chile)

The Ministry for the Environment (Spanish: Ministerio del Medio Ambiente) is the cabinet-level administrative office in the Republic of Chile responsible for environmental policy. It is the central institution for the development and implementation of policies, plans, and programs related to the environment and sustainable development within the country.

Established in 2010 following the enactment of Law No. 20.417, the ministry consolidated environmental responsibilities previously distributed across various government agencies. Its key functions include proposing environmental regulations, managing national environmental assessment systems, promoting environmental education and awareness, and representing Chile in international environmental forums.

The Ministry works in close collaboration with other ministries and government institutions, as well as with civil society organizations and the private sector, to achieve its goals of environmental protection and sustainable development. Key agencies under its purview include the Environmental Assessment Service (SEA) and the Superintendency of the Environment (SMA). The SEA administers the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA) for investment projects, while the SMA is responsible for enforcing environmental regulations and imposing sanctions for non-compliance.

The Ministry is headed by the Minister for the Environment, who is appointed by the President of Chile. The Minister is responsible for formulating and implementing the government's environmental policies and ensuring their coordination with other sectoral policies. The Ministry is located in Santiago, Chile.