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The Futaleufu River is under attack by an invasive and exotic freshwater alga. In early 2010, Didymosphenia geminata, known as “Didymo” or “rock snot”, was discovered in the Rivers Futaleufú and Espolon of the Lakes Region of Chile. Brought into the pristine waters of Patagonia by visiting river users, Didymo thrives in low-nutrient freshwater, aggressively carpeting stream, river, and lake beds—threatening the aquatic environment and its natural beauty.
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 alga, providing it the chance for more destructive behavior and profound impact on biodiversity and recreation.
FutaFriends is working with local government, tourism, and non-governmental groups to establish a Didymo Awareness and Education Program to reach the local and tourist communities. FutaFriends has the priviledge to work with scientist Dr. Bill Horvath and river guide Robert Currie who, motivated by their love for the Futaleufú and for Patagonia, are spearheading advocacy for Didymo action at local, regional, and national levels. Their primary focus is to spotlight the issue and to help grassroots efforts move forward.
Didymo is a threat to Patagonia. Education is critical and prevention is essential. You can take part in pushing forward 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 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: |
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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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| 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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