Based
in Colorado, FutaFriends was incorporated
in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit private
organization to defend the Futaleufu Valley
from unsustainable development projects.
In the mid 1990’s Endesa, a Spanish-owned
power company, secured all the water rights
to the Futaleufu River precluding the rights
of local people. A group of local community
members, whitewater enthusiasts and conservationists
attempted to stop such abuse by funding
legal advisors to act on behalf of the local
municipal government. Ultimately, Endesa
prevailed and the community lost control
of their river. This defeat inspired the
birth of FutaFriends, formerly known as
FutaFund.
FutaFriends
has expanded its operation to include
community development through tourism promotion
and sustainable practices. Working with
local groups, FutaFriends aims to strengthen
and increase community participation and
interest in protecting the Futaleufu Valley
and its tributaries. Community education
programs focused on youth and adults alike
aim to integrate sustainable alternatives
to resource degrading practices, such as
deforestation and slash-and-burn agriculture.

FutaFriends
serves as an educational resource
and helps coordinate international interest
to the region's conservation. Our organization
provides funding for local groups working
for the future of the Futaleufu Valley,
developing a tourism-based economy, small-scale
sustainable agriculture, strong local traditions,
conservation of landscapes, and an increase
in income-generating opportunities for local
community members.
In the past, FutaFriends
has supported land conservation efforts
and initiatives focused in the long-term
sustainability of the region. We continue
to support kayak and rafting training programs
for the local youth, increasing the number
of local guides available for the various
adventure companies operating on the river.

Strengthening
the local economy represents a
key component for securing permanent protection
for the river and the community. Traditionally
a peasant culture shaped by a wild indomitable
landscape, many local families are beginning
to realize the benefits from tourism. As
this and other activities grow while improving
living standards, so it does the number
of locals willing to fight for their land,
traditions and self-determination to choose
their own future.
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.
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