The new body - consisting of public agencies, academia and Non-Governmental Organisations - is tasked with coordinating and monitoring the ENCA.

The ENCA, which is being directed by the Ministry of the Environment, is a 10-year project aiming to protect more than 500 species of birds.

This represents five per cent of all bird in the world.

"We are very happy that Santiago 2023 is participating in this ENCA Implementation Committee," Maisa Rojas, the Minister for Environment, said.

"When you play sports you are in nature, it means physical and psychological well-being and is associated with a well-cared-for nature.

"Being in it, one knows it, loves it, appreciates it and, therefore, there is a virtuous link between caring for nature and being outdoors doing sports.

"That is why I am very happy that we can work on these issues together."

Fiu, the official mascot for the competition, was present at the launch ceremony where attendees, such as Santiago 2023 executive director Gianna Cunazza, viewed an exhibition of bird photographs.

"It is something tremendously important not only for the country, but for all Chileans, which involves conservation and care of the environment," Cunazza said.

"Our mascot, Fiu, is a seven-coloured bird that lives in wetlands and is part of this national conservation strategy.

"I think it is important to remember that Santiago 2023 is much more than a sporting event and that sustainability is one of its pillars."