Nestled in the heart of Chile lies the Cochamó Valley, a region with a captivating history intertwined with human connection to the land and a fierce dedication to its conservation. This story unfolds over a century, highlighting the threats the valley has faced and the unwavering spirit of the community that has fought to protect it.
From Agricultural Beginnings to Ecological Haven (1924-1990):
In 1924, the Puchegüín Agricultural Community established a vast estate in the Cochamó Valley encompassing a staggering 250,000 hectares. Intended for agriculture, livestock, and forestry, this land, known as Hacienda Puchegüín, was a haven for ancient forests, glaciers, wetlands, and historic trails. However, due to its remote location and lack of roads, Puchegüín remained largely untouched, preserving its pristine natural state. Early inhabitants that did settle in the region fostered a sustainable ranching lifestyle in harmony with the environment. Over time, settlers applied to get property titles within Hacienda Puchegüín, reducing the property’s size to 131,000 hectares, or 30% of the area of the Cochamó municipality, by 1990.
Threats Emerge, Community Responds (1998-2009):
The late 1990s saw the first major threats to the Cochamó Valley. Proposals for a timber road and an international highway threatened to disrupt the local environment and culture. These threats sparked a wave of advocacy: local communities mobilized, and in 2009, with unwavering determination, they successfully lobbied President Michelle Bachelet to declare the Cochamó River a Water Reserve – a landmark victory for conservation efforts in Chile.
A Decade of Advocacy and Victories (2010-2021):
As Cochamó gained recognition as a world-class climbing and nature tourism destination, the need for responsible tourism management became crucial. The community took a proactive approach, implementing reservation systems and collaborating with the private sector to mitigate the impact of mass tourism.
At the same time, the relentless fight for the valley’s long-term conservation continued. In 2013, Puelo Patagonia was founded to specifically defend the Puelo River from the destructive Mediterráneo hydroelectric project. Through legal actions, international support, and unwavering community pressure, this project was ultimately stopped in 2017.
From Threat to Opportunity: Securing Puchegüín’s Future (2022-Present):
In 2022, the sale listing of Puchegüín by Chilean entrepreneur Roberto Hagemann reignited conservation concerns. However, this potential threat transformed into an opportunity: Puelo Patagonia began to seek allies and strategic partners to bring to life the dream of starting a conservation and local development project in Puchegüín.
Joining forces with The Nature Conservancy, Freyja Foundation, Patagonia, Inc., and Wyss Foundation, Puelo Patagonia established the Conserva Puchegüín campaign. Through national and international fundraising efforts, this campaign aims to acquire Puchegüín and safeguard the future of the property – and the entire Cochamó Valley – in perpetuity.