A Year in Conserva Puchegüín
A year ago, Freyja joined Puelo Patagonia, The Nature Conservancy, Wyss Foundation, and Patagonia, Inc. to launch Conserva Puchegüín – an ambitious effort to protect the 133,000-hectare Fundo Puchegüín in Chilean Patagonia. This vast landscape, rich in ecological and cultural heritage, is home to native forests, glaciers-capped mountains, and endangered species – and until now, has lacked any permanent protection.
Bordered by more than 1.6 million hectares of national parks, reserves, and nature sanctuaries across Chile and Argentina, Puchegüín represents a vital missing link in one of Latin America’s largest biodiversity corridors. Listed for sale in 2022, the property has faced growing pressure from threats – including land subdivision, unregulated tourism, and high-impact industrial projects – that could permanently alter its ecosystems and communities.
Conserva Puchegüín aims to protect Fundo Puchegüín, a vast private property for sale in Chilean Patagonia.
One Year In: Progress and Momentum
At its one year mark, Conserva Puchegüín has moved from vision to tangible impact. We've raised over $40 million toward our $78 million goal, thanks to donors from across the world. On the ground, scientists and local experts have registered over 40 species through wildlife monitoring, deepening our understanding of Puchegüín’s ecological value. The campaign has also captured international attention, with more than 60 stories published across outlets like The New York Times, National Geographic, and CNN Chile.
Conserva Puchegüín has raised 54% of our total fundraising goal thanks to donations from around the world, spanning five continents and nearly 20 countries.
The initiative has also been spotlighted at key climate and conservation events across the Americas – including Ladera Sur Fest, Climate Week, and Santiago Wild – and championed by well-known advocates like climbers Tommy Caldwell and Timmy O’Neill.
At the heart of Conserva Puchegüín is a commitment to the local community. This unique mountain region is home to an arriero-gaucho culture shaped by horsemanship, agriculture, and small-scale ranching. More than 200 community members have taken part in the campaign through community meetings and conservation planning workshops. Building on coalition leader Puelo Patagonia’s long-standing local engagement, the campaign prioritizes community participation at each stage – from co-designing conservation strategies to envisioning sustainable economic models that uplift, rather than displace, traditional ways of life.
U.S. dollars raised
Species registered
Community members engaged
What’s Next
As we look ahead with our partners, we remain focused on reaching our goal of permanently protecting Puchegüín and advancing a participatory model of conservation – one that protects ecosystems while respecting and sustaining local livelihoods. This first year has shown what’s possible when global support meets local leadership, and together, we’re continuing our work to secure a future for Puchegüín, alongside the communities and species that call it home.
