From Agricultural Beginnings to Ecological Haven (1924-1990):<\/b><\/p>\n
In 1924, the Pucheg\u00fc\u00edn Agricultural Community established a vast estate in the Cocham\u00f3 Valley encompassing a staggering 250,000 hectares. Intended for agriculture, livestock, and forestry, this land, known as Hacienda Pucheg\u00fc\u00edn, was a haven for ancient forests, glaciers, wetlands, and historic trails. However, due to its remote location and lack of roads, Pucheg\u00fc\u00edn 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 Pucheg\u00fc\u00edn, reducing the property\u2019s size to 131,000 hectares, or 30% of the area of the Cocham\u00f3 municipality, by 1990.<\/p>\n
Threats Emerge, Community Responds (1998-2009):<\/b><\/p>\n
The late 1990s saw the first major threats to the Cocham\u00f3 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 Cocham\u00f3 River a Water Reserve \u2013 a landmark victory for conservation efforts in Chile.<\/p>\n
A Decade of Advocacy and Victories (2010-2021):<\/b><\/p>\n
As Cocham\u00f3 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.<\/p>\n
At the same time, the relentless fight for the valley\u2019s long-term conservation continued. In 2013, Puelo Patagonia was founded to specifically defend the Puelo River from the destructive Mediterr\u00e1neo hydroelectric project. Through legal actions, international support, and unwavering community pressure, this project was ultimately stopped in 2017.<\/p>\n
From Threat to Opportunity: Securing Pucheg\u00fc\u00edn\u2019s Future (2022-Present):<\/b><\/p>\n
In 2022, the sale listing of Pucheg\u00fc\u00edn 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 protecting the region in its entirety. Joining forces with The Nature Conservancy, Freyja Foundation, Patagonia Inc., and Wyss Foundation, Puelo Patagonia established the Conserva Pucheg\u00fc\u00edn campaign. Through national and international fundraising efforts, this campaign set out to acquire Pucheg\u00fc\u00edn and safeguard the future of the property \u2013 and the Cocham\u00f3 Valley \u2013 in perpetuity.<\/p>\n
In December 2025, Conserva Pucheg\u00fc\u00edn succeeded in raising the funds to purchase Pucheg\u00fc\u00edn. With this milestone achieved, a new phase began focused on securing long-term legal protection for the region and implementing a conservation plan and shared governance model with the local community \u2013 one that safeguards nature while also supporting local livelihoods.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>