This 175,000-square-mile region includes a network of protected areas that showcase Patagonia’s ecological and cultural importance. Its rich biodiversity and exceptional geographic and ecological features—including glacier-fed rivers that flow into a sea dotted with more than 40,000 islands—draw visitors from around the world. And residents of the local communities have a deep connection to these lands and waters.
Unfortunately, Chile has one of the lowest budget allocations in the world per hectare for managing protected areas. Such funding is necessary to help officials preserve these unique ecosystems and ensure the sustainable development of surrounding communities.
Since 2016, The Pew Charitable Trusts has worked with local governments, communities, universities, and other nonprofit organizations to strengthen protection of this extraordinary region.
