What we do
We work to counteract climate chaos and the species extinction crisis, acting to protect the beauty and health of the planet. Rewilding is our holistic strategy to conserve the Route of Parks of Patagonia through the creation of National Parks and marine parks, the restoration of ecosystems, the active management of threatened species, and the promotion of wellbeing among local communities, in addition to activism and public education that fosters a culture of conservation.
National Parks
National parks are the most effective large-scale, long-term conservation strategy. That is why our team, together with Tompkins Conservation, has collaborated with various government administrations in Chile to create and expand national parks, crafting the vision of the Route of Parks of Chilean Patagonia.
Wildlife
Protecting wildlife and, when necessary, encouraging active management are crucial components for the recovery of complete and functional ecosystems. Since 2005, together with Tompkins Conservation, we have implemented a Wildlife program for the conservation, recovery and monitoring of key Patagonian species.
Community outreach
We work with the communities surrounding the national parks to foster bonds of pride and a sense of belonging to the territory through environmental education, promoting knowledge of the natural and cultural heritage. In this way we seek to empower the community to be defenders of their protected areas.
Our Areas of Focus
01 Regional Work
Our small, ambitious teams are locally based on the three regions of Patagonia: Los Lagos, Aysén and Magallanes, and possess a deep knowledge of the territory. We focus our conservation work on the Route of Parks, with a holistic regional vision for restoring complete, connected ecosystems from the peaks of the Andes to the waters of the Pacific.
02 Public-Private Collaboration
Since 1993, Rewilding Chile’s core team has been working closely with Tompkins Conservation, helping create 7 national parks and expanding 3 others through the donation of 1,3 million acres to the Chilean State, leveraged by 8.8 million acres of public land. This has resulted in a 1:9 acreage match for permanent protection, shaping the vision of the Route of Parks of Chilean Patagonia.
Collaboration between public and private institutions, academics, and a wide array of organizations regionally and nationally has played a central part in the effective long-term conservation of this land.
03 Conservation Development
We work toward conservation-based development, positioning the Route of Parks of Patagonia and its National Parks as engines to help drive local economies. As part of this effort, we’ve developed two “model” National Parks, Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park and Patagonia National Park, both of which have brought increased awareness and visibility to nearby communities.
04 Global Conservation Networks
It wouldn’t be possible to do this work without the help of many allies. Over the course of decades, the philanthropic support of individuals and foundations from around the world has helped us develop these projects and continue the Tompkins’ legacy. Our organization is also part of the global conservation network that includes Tompkins Conservation (USA), the Global Rewilding Alliance, Rewilding Argentina, among others.
