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Chaiten

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.

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.

Outfitters Supporting ConservationOur 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.

Greenhouse Project Update: November 18th, 2008
 
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
February 14-21: Futaleufu Week
 
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
February 20-22: FutaFestival 
 

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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