In a monumental victory for global conservation, Conserva Puchegüín has completed the acquisition of Fundo Puchegüín, a vast 328,351-acre expanse of wilderness areas in Chile's Cochamó Valley, often hailed as the "Yosemite of South America" for its towering granite walls. The $78 million purchase, fueled by an unprecedented local and international fundraising campaign, ensures permanent protection for this ecological treasure in northern Patagonia.

 

The journey to this milestone spans decades of dedicated activism. The Cochamó Valley has long faced threats from large-scale development, including proposed hydroelectric dams, road building, high-end real estate subdivisions, and logging initiatives. Local communities and organizations, in recent years led by groups such as Puelo Patagonia and the Cochamo Valley Organization, successfully mobilized to halt these projects. In the 2010s, a coalition of organizations called “Puelo Sin Torres” most notably blocked a major hydroelectric scheme, and local environmentalists part of the now defunct green group Conservacion Cochamo blocked dam plans for the Cochamó River, later securing the declaration of the river as a water reserve in 2009.

 

When Chilean businessman Roberto Hagemann put Fundo Puchegüín—the largest private landholding in the region—up for sale in 2022, it sparked widespread alarm. Surrounded by protected areas yet lacking formal safeguards itself, the property risked fragmentation, unrestricted development, or purchase by interests prioritizing profit over preservation. This vulnerability could have severed vital biological corridors, endangered rare species, and disrupted traditional community lifestyles.

 

 

 

 

Seizing the moment as an opportunity rather than a crisis, Puelo Patagonia forged a powerful coalition with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Freyja Foundation, Patagonia, Inc., and Wyss Foundation. The resulting Conserva Puchegüín campaign raised funds at record speed while conducting wildlife monitoring, implementing tourism management, and fostering deep community engagement.

 

“This is a historic milestone not only because of the size of the protected area, but also because of how it was achieved: with participation, transparency, and deep respect for the communities that live in Cochamó,” said Andrés Diez, executive director of Puelo Patagonia. “That is the foundation on which the next phase will be built.”

 

With ownership now transferred to the newly created Fundación Conserva Puchegüín—a Chilean nonprofit with an independent board—the focus turns to collaborative governance rooted in science and local input.

 

 

 

 

This irreplaceable landscape teems with biodiversity, supporting endangered species like the huemul deer (Chile's national emblem), Darwin’s frog, monito del monte, and ancient alerce trees—some of the world's longest-lived. It forms the critical "missing link" in a 4-million-acre binational network of protected areas across Chile and Argentina, encompassing much of the Puelo River watershed. Its rivers, glaciers, wetlands, lakes, and forests store carbon, offer climate refugia, and sustain nearby communities.

 

“This radical collaboration of passionate individuals and organizations large and small has come together to do something extraordinary–a real gift to our Earth and our grandchildren,” said Jeffrey Parrish, TNC’s global managing director for Nature Protection. “Spectacular granite domes stand stronger, rivers run wilder, sentinel Alerce trees tower taller, and endangered species like the Huemul deer now have the freedom to roam. The Nature Conservancy is humbled to be a part of this extraordinary partnership for Chile and the people of Cochamó.”

 

The management plan designates at least 80% of the land for strict protection, with up to 20% allocated for sustainable uses like low-impact tourism and traditional agriculture. New Chilean legislation enables multi-use zones in community areas alongside potential national park status for sensitive regions, balancing ecology with cultural traditions.

 

 

 

“This moment couldn’t have happened without the determination of local conservationists. The activists in Conserva Puchegüín are protecting this majestic place with world-class rock climbing, fly fishing, trail running and other outdoor recreation. Fundo Pucheguin will become part of a 4-million-acre swath of conservation land across Chile and Argentina — a victory for nature, people and wildlife,” said Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert.

 

“We first visited Cochamó in 2017, and ever since then, knew we wanted to support its long-term protection. Puelo Patagonia has defended the valley for decades, and when the opportunity arose to safeguard this region permanently, we knew it was a pivotal moment. The purchase of Puchegüín is a major conservation milestone, and we’re honored to be a part of its long-term stewardship,” stated Freyja Foundation president Anne Deane.

 

“The Cochamó Valley is one of the most breathtaking places on Earth, and its protection is a victory for the Chilean people, wildlife, and the planet. The Wyss Foundation is honored to support the Conserva Puchegüín coalition and the numerous partners who came together to permanently preserve an area with unmatched beauty and biodiversity. This collaborative effort will help ensure future generations can experience and be inspired by this remarkable stretch of land,” said Molly McUsic, president of the Wyss Foundation.