FutaFriends works on fulfilling several objectives and on-going projects. Our vision is to create a self-sustaining community, reliant on its on power and resources, demonstrating the region's self-sufficiency. Your support in conserving the Futaleufu River Valley is necessary to continue the organization's operation in Patagonia. Please join us in standing up for the Futaleufu and ensuring the river's free-flow to the Pacific Ocean.
Futaleufu
Conservancy
The Chilean Congress is in the
process of passing a law that supports
the establishment of land trusts and conservation
easements in Chile. The
Nature Conservancy and Chilean
NGOs are working to develop the legal
framework for this process. FutaFriends
is working with local and foreign landowners
of the Futaleufu in creating the Futaleufu
Conservancy, a land trust organization
made up of local and foreign participants,
working to protect the river's edge from
development interests. FutaFriends and
its partner, the Private
Reserves Network, are establishing
the technical requirements necessary for
the creation of the Futaleufu Conservancy.
Our goal is to facilitate the first step
in the long-term process of obtaining
governmental designation of the Futaleufu
as a protected area and of national importance.
Futaleufu Awareness Campaign
FutaFriends is partnering with local, national and international NGOs, providing on-the-ground updated information on the present situation in Futaleufu and its threats. Partnerships with organizations, such as EarthWorks and the Natural Resources Defense Council, allows for greater effectiveness in fighting the continuing threats arriving to the Futaleufu Valley. Geocom Resources and Kinross Gold Corporation are our strongest opponents against the protection of the Futaleufu River Valley.
Rural Sustainable Development
Tourism is one of the main economic resources in the Futaleufu Valley, providing financial opportunities too many in the region. FutaFriends works to further improve the relationship between tourism outfitters and community members, increasing income-generating opportunities for locals based on agricultural and sustainable production. By working with local group Aguas Libres, FutaFriends seeks to increase rural production capacities. Our vision is founded on the belief that as more community members benefit from tourism, more of the local population will seek to stay in the region and search economic opportunities based on the Futaleufu River Valley's pristine state.
Community Stewardship and Education
Working alongside community leaders and the Municipality of Futaleufu, FutaFriends aims to improve local community leadership skills, promoting participation in the community's development plan. By strengthening community member's participation and role in the Municipality of Futaleufu, we can ensure sustainability and transparency in a democratic way. FutaFriends works with the local school and the municipal governing board to improve the local knowledge of the environmental conditions in the Futaleufu River Valley. Our goal is to raise the environmental conscience of the region, demonstrating the benefits that Futaleufu's pristine environment gives to the community.
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.
