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Patagonian water are under threat by an invasive and exotic freshwater algae. In early 2010, Didymosphenia geminata, known as “Didymo” or “rock snot”, was discovered in the Rivers Espolon and Futaleufu in the Lakes Region of Chile. Brought into the pristine waters of Patagonia by visiting river users, Didymo thrives in low-nutrient freshwater, aggressively carpeting river beds and lake shores, threatening the aquatic environment and its natural beauty. The video above shows mature Didymo blooms.
What makes Didymo “an invisible enemy” is that it can pass into other waterways in as little as one drop of tainted water; but by the time it is noticed, it has already established and cannot be removed. Patagonia’s rivers are new territory for the algae, providing it the chance for more destructive behavior and profound impact on biodiversity and recreation.
FutaFriends jumped on the Didymo issue from the time of its discovery in the Espolón and Futaleufú Rivers. FutaFriends is working alongside the local government, tourism board, and other institutions to educate the community about Didymo and construct gear washing stations where river recreationalists can disinfect items before and after entering the rivers.
Didymo is a threat to Patagonia. Education is critical and prevention is essential. You can take part in the Didymo Awareness and Education Program and protecting Patagonia by financially supporting the team in Chile and learning more about Didymo. Find out more
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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 an 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: |
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 FutaFriends currently works with over 35 families with the Greenhouse Project, a locally-led initiative to establish a sustainable way to supplement rural household incomes and benefit the whole community with fresh, locally-produced vegetables sold at open-air markets in Futaleufu. Now entering the third season, we expect the greatest particiaption so far, and look forward to continuing to protect the Futaleufu River Valley through environmentally sustainable practices. Find out more
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| December: The 2010-2011 Farmer's Market Season Begins |
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 FutaFriends is starting up the summer with the first Farmer's Market of the seasonon on December 22! This summer the
Farmer's Markets will be held every Wednesday, from 9:00 AM through 1:00 PM, on Calle
Manuel Rodriguez, adjacent to the Plaza
de Armas. All the vegetables are grown by local producers participating in FutaFriends' Greenhouse Program in conjunction with PRODESAL.
Please stop by and enjoy fresh, local produce!
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| February: Futaleufu Week |
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 Futaleufu Week is the second week of February. This week-long celebration is dedicated to the beautiful place and culture of Futaleufu. It is a week packed with cultural activities, sports competitions, car races, parades, and of course local foods and drinks.
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