Rewilding Chile

Rewilding Chile is the legacy of Tompkins Conservation, dedicated to restoring and protecting the wild landscapes of Chilean Patagonia. Through its work, Rewilding Chile seeks to expand marine and terrestrial national parks, restore vital ecological corridors, and foster coexistence between people and wildlife. Central to its mission is the Route of Parks, an interconnected system of 17 national parks spanning one-third of Chile, 11.8 million hectares of pristine wilderness and 60 gateway communities. 

This vast region is one of the planet’s last great wild places, home to Chile’s temperate rainforests, subantarctic forests, wetlands, and the largest fjord system in the Southern Hemisphere. It harbours 52% of Chile’s IUCN Red List species, serves as one of South America’s richest carbon sinks, storing nearly three times more carbon per hectare than the Amazon, and maintains an extraordinary degree of natural integrity. Yet, these ecosystems face mounting threats from habitat fragmentation, climate change, and unsustainable development, making large-scale, coordinated conservation efforts essential. 

The ERF grant is supporting Rewilding Chile in expanding protected areas, restoring ecological connectivity, and promoting a nature-based economy across the Route of Parks. The funding also supports the strengthening of community engagement and advocacy, ensuring local people are key partners in building a sustainable future for Patagonia’s unique landscapes and wildlife.