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The
Futaleufu River is being directly threatened by developing
gold mining operations in the Espolon Valley. Canadian
Kinross Gold Corporation and US-based Geocom Resources
are leading the mining operations in Southern Chile,
specifically in the Palena region. Already threatened
by Endesa’s future hydroelectric dams and the HidroAysen
Project, the Futaleufu continues to be in danger of
destruction.
FutaFriends is working to raise community
awareness of this dire situation in Patagonia by strengthening
locally-based grassroot organizations. FutaFriends
and other international and national NGOs are protesting
these developments though public advocacy campaigns
and increasing the access to reliable information.
Local groups, such as Aguas Libres, work directly
with community members, ensuring local involvement
in the fight to protect the Futaleufu.
According to
EarthWorks, an international conservation organization
specializing in mining issues, gold mining is one
of the dirtiest businesses in the world. Gold mines
use cyanide that contaminate the water and is incredibly
toxic to wildlife, livestock and humans. Gold mining
will have drastic repercussions for the Futaleufu
Valley. Conservation efforts are needed to protect
the Futaleufu River and its tributaries. Learn more about what we are doing to protect the Futaleufu Valley
and join us in standing up for the Futaleufu.
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FutaFriends'
mission
is to ensure the free-flow of the Futaleufu River and to protect
the natural resources of its watershed through community stewardship,
education, and sustainable development for current and future generations.
 Our
vision
is to permanently protect the valley by way of community-led conservation
groups, local grassroot environmental advocacy campaigns, sustainable management
of natural resources, and an official conservation designation of
the river capable of thwarting industrial interests in the region.
Our
main objectives
are to establish FutaFriends as the on-the-ground organization,
strengthening local groups through technical support and partnerships
with international NGOs, the municipal government, and national
organizations to protect the Futaleufu River Valley from negative
outside interests and unsustainable development. We aim to improve
tourism and economic opportunities for local community members
and ultimately promote designation of the Futaleufu River as a
protected area.
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| Greenhouse
Project Update: November 18th, 2008 |
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 The
Futaleufu relief program is up and running. Even though there were no significant damages to Futaleufu after the eruption of the Chaiten
volcano, the community will most likely be feeling
a slump in tourism as an effect. In order to counter-balance
this, a locally-lead Greenhouse Project is being implemented to establish a sustainable way to supplement the income that will surely be
lost from tourism this season. We finalized the first stages
of the project, distributed greenhouse materials, added
more participants, benefiting more than 20 local families, and delivered our first small batch of goods to the local market. Find out more
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| February
14-21: Futaleufu Week |
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 Every year the town of Futaleufu becomes a center of activities as the town celebrates its summer week. Numerous activities and night events light up the usually sleepy town to be an active center of Patagonia. Competitions between the East and West sides of town are organized, including floats and parades, biking, running and boating races, culminating on the night-long party with the election of the town Queen. Find out more |
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| February
20-22: FutaFestival |
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 This
year will mark the inauguration of the first ever whitewater
festival in Futaleufu. The FutaFestival will feature a down-river
race, boatercross, freestyle kayak, a border to Pacific
Endurance Race, music, events, and prizes. Keep posted for
further information on entries and competition details. Find out more
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