Conserva Puchegüín, protect Cochamó

Project name
Conserva Puchegüín, protect Cochamó

Goals
» Respect and protect the culture and way of life of the Cochamó Valley community.
» Implement an innovative, participative, and replicable conservation model that empowers local community leadership and can serve as an example in Chile and around the world.
» Protect Puchegüín — and in doing so, protect Cochamó — from any present or future projects that could threaten its scenic beauty or biodiversity.
» Protect the essential role that Puchegüín’s ecosystem plays in mitigating climate change at a global level.
» Promote sustainable economic development in the Cochamó community through nature-based tourism and conservation, improving local well-being and contributing to the development of the entire region.
» Unir a casi 1.640.000 hectáreas de áreas protegidas entre la Patagonia chilena y la argentina, creando uno de los corredores biológicos más  importantes de Latinoamérica.
» Improve local infrastructure and services, contributing to the local economy.

Progress
» Create an alliance with Freyja Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Wyss Foundation, and Patagonia to fund and carry out the Conserva Puchegüín project.
» Work with the community: interviews and meetings with 120 local residents to understand their perspectives, dreams, and needs.
» Fundraising work in Chile and internationally.

Assessment of flora, fauna, and trails in the Cochamó Valley

Project name
Assessment of flora, fauna, and trails in the Cochamó Valley

Goals
1. To gather data on the flora, fauna, camping sites, and trails of the Cochamó Valley in order to support its long-term conservation.

Water reserve

Project name
Puelo Water Reserve

Goals
1. Crear una reserva de caudal en el río Puelo
2. Generar consciencia sobre la conservación de los ríos y sus cuencas
3. Asegurara la disponibilidad de los derechos de agua en el río Puelo para el uso local
4. Avanzar en una protección más integral del río Puelo y los ríos de Chile

Progress
» Asegurar disponibilidad de derechos de agua en el río Puelo para lograr la reserva.
» Entrega de carta al presidente para la creación de una reserva de caudal.
» Campaña #pueloreservadeagua.
» Elaboración y actualización de informes técnicos que respaldan la solicitud.
» DGA ingresa a Contraloría en septiembre de 2023 primera propuesta para crear Reserva en la cuenca del Río Puelo.
» Participación en la redacción y creación de una nueva ley para la protección de los ríos en Chile.
» Reuniones como miembros de la alianza de Ríos Protegidos y Restaurados de Chile.

Huemules from Puelo

Project name
Huemules from Puelo

Goals
1. Identify the distribution and population size of huemules in the Puelo River watershed and reveal how they interact across both sides of the Andes mountain range.
2. Identify the threats to the huemul within its distribution area.
3. Progress to a long-term conservation program for the species.

Progress
» Regular field trips.
» Installation of camera traps in strategic locations.
» Coordination and organization of a binational workshop on huemul conservation.
» Meetings with regional authorities to advance a huemul conservation plan.
» Monitoring at Paso El León.
» Discovery of the Vizcacha de la Patagonia.
» Scientific publication on the record of the Vizcacha.
» Monitoring in the Cochamó Valley. Installation of 25 cameras.

Cochamó Valley Nature Sanctuary

Project name
Cochamó Valley Nature Sanctuary

Goals
1. Establish a Nature Sanctuary in the Cochamó Valley with governance led by the local community.
2. Protect the natural and cultural heritage, safeguarding its resources for future generations.
3. Achieve planned and responsible tourism that respects conservation objectives and the area's carrying capacity.

Progress
» Creation of the Organización Valle Cochamó.
» Creation of a visitor center staffed by volunteers to manage tourist entry during the season.
» Submission of a Technical Report to Government authorities.
» Request for public land ownership from the Ministry of National Assets.
» The Cochamó Valley Nature Sanctuary is officially established, published in the Official Gazette under decree number 29.
» Administration is entrusted to the Organización Valle Cochamó.
» Planning is underway for effective management of the protected area.