Work in the field in Los Lagos Region

Work in the field in Los Lagos Region

Tierra Austral is a Conservation Guarantee Organization, and that's why team members traveled to the Los Lagos Region to carry out monitoring activities in two privately protected areas we work with. The goal was to assess the ecological status of their conservation values and identify potential threats. In addition to exploring Fundo Encantado, we conducted a workshop with Futaleufú River Keeper, where we were able to address community questions about the DRC.

World Environmental Education Day

World Environmental Education Day

Every January 26th, World Environmental Education Day is celebrated, a day that seeks to highlight the importance of education as a driver of change. This day invites us to reflect and raise awareness about the significance of educating ourselves and others regarding the conservation and care of nature. Thanks to our friends from the Cerro Poqui Sanctuary and La Giganta, for working tirelessly on this task. It is urgent that we all recognize the vital role played by educators, institutions, and activists in spreading environmental awareness.

Visits at Cerro Poqui Sanctuary!

Visits at Cerro Poqui Sanctuary!

The distinguished British botanist, Martín Gardner, who has been associated with the flora of our country for over 35 years, wanted to visit Cerro Poqui to continue his research, study, and delve into the vegetation of the central zone. Alongside him, we were able to observe different species and learn from his extensive experience. Gardner leads the International Conifer Conservation Programme (ICCP) at the renowned Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in the United Kingdom, where he even has an impressive collection of Chilean plants that he has propagated himself.

Tierra Austral and Chilano Wines sign an agreement to boost the conservation of the Central Valley

Tierra Austral and Chilano Wines sign an agreement to boost the conservation of the Central Valley

Chilano Wines, one of the brands of the Ventisquero Wine Estates Group, will support us in strengthening, developing, and implementing the Boldo Cantillana project. Thanks to these contributions, three fundamental pillars of work will be sustained: the conservation of ecological values in protected areas through activities focused on the care of flora and fauna species, as well as the control and eradication of threats; the development of basic and enabling infrastructure in those protected areas open to the community; and the promotion of environmental education or scientific research activities.

New Park in Valparaíso: La Giganta Opens Its Doors

New Park in Valparaíso: La Giganta Opens Its Doors

With the presence of more than 60 people, Parque La Giganta was inaugurated in the Valparaíso Region, located in the commune of Panquehue. The place is a biodiversity refuge that positions itself as a new option for accessing nature, recreation, outdoor activities, education, and culture for visitors and nearby communities. It features a network of trails and educational guided tours and will be enhanced as a space for connecting with nature, engaging in artistic activities, recreation, environmental education, and scientific research in the Aconcagua Valley.

Unprecedented: Over 25,946 acres hectares to be protected in Maule

Unprecedented: Over 25,946 acres hectares to be protected in Maule

After over a year of work, the Tierra Austral Foundation managed to consolidate, together with the landowners, the formal and perpetual protection of an area located in the pre-Andes of the Maule Region, in the Los Queñes sector. This milestone is part of the effort of the landowners of this place who have worked for its conservation for over four decades. This new protected area is composed of the Central Chilean Mediterranean ecosystem, the least protected ecosystem in the country.

Executive Director of Tierra Austral Presents at Conservation Conference in Australia

Executive Director of Tierra Austral Presents at Conservation Conference in Australia

Victoria Alonso, Executive Director of Tierra Austral, was invited as one of the keynote speakers at the seventh annual Private Land Conservation Conference organized by the Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA). At the event, named PLC23: Unite For Nature, held in Canberra, Australia, Victoria shared part of the story of the private land conservation movement in Chile. In front of an audience of over 400 people, she discussed the evolution of private conservation in Chile, highlighting the progress made by Tierra Austral and its dedicated team.

Protected Areas and Communities Meeting Hub: Sharing Experiences

Protected Areas and Communities Meeting Hub: Sharing Experiences

We went to the La Moneda Cultural Center to participate in the third meeting of 'Protected Areas and Communities Portal 2023,' where we could share experiences with authorities, administrators of protected wilderness areas, local communities, scientists, and academics on how to enhance the conservation of Chile's natural and cultural heritage. On this occasion, Fundación Tierra Austral had the honor of presenting at a seminar on private conservation and being present with an informational booth.

Viña Tarapacá and Tierra Austral Seal Support for Boldo Cantillana Project

Viña Tarapacá and Tierra Austral Seal Support for Boldo Cantillana Project

Through 1% for the Planet, a renowned global movement that channels resources for the development of environmental care initiatives, Viña Tarapacá has committed to donating a portion of its profits to support Fundación Tierra Austral in carrying out specific conservation actions as part of our Boldo Cantillana project. This ambitious conservation initiative aims to protect the Mediterranean ecosystem of Central Chile.

Happy Park Ranger Day

Happy Park Ranger Day

Every September 30th, in Chile, we celebrate National Park Ranger Day. Our message is one of gratitude to all the park rangers across the country, especially those we work alongside daily at the Cerro Poqui Sanctuary. Your dedication is essential to continue protecting our nation's natural areas. Thank you for your tireless work, your love for nature, and your desire to build a better future. You inspire us every day. Congratulations!

Conservation Tour in the United States

Conservation Tour in the United States

During the month of September, a portion of the team from the Southern Land Foundation undertook an inspiring conservation tour of locations in Oregon and Washington in the United States. During this journey, we were able to glean various significant lessons from a country that boasts over 70 years of history in conserving private lands.

Fundación Tierra Austral is participating in the Land Trust Rally 2023 in Portland

Fundación Tierra Austral is participating in the Land Trust Rally 2023 in Portland

During the first few days of September, we participated in the 36th edition of the Land Trust Alliance Rally, an annual conference in the United States that brings together conservation organizations or land trusts like Tierra Austral. This year, the Rally took place in Portland, Oregon, and saw the participation of over 2,200 individuals. It provided a training and learning opportunity about nature conservation through workshops, seminars, and field trips.

Unmissable: La Giganta Exploration

Unmissable: La Giganta Exploration

On September 5th, the "Exploración La Giganta" exhibition was inaugurated at the Interactive Knowledge Center in the Interactive Museum Mirador (MIM). It is a video installation that reflects the constant changes witnessed by the park and its landscape. La Giganta Park is a privately conserved area located in the Panquehue commune, Valparaíso Region, which is permanently protected through a Real Right of Conservation agreement with Tierra Austral.

Tierra Austral presents at the Biodiversity and Sustainable Production workshop

Tierra Austral presents at the Biodiversity and Sustainable Production workshop

On August 16th, Victoria Alonso, Executive Director of the Fundación Tierra Austral, gave a presentation at the Biodiversity and Sustainable Production workshop organized by the Asociación de Empresarios Vitivinícolas del Valle de Casablanca en conjunto con la Agencia de Sustentabilidad y Cambio Climático (ASCC). During the event, which took place as part of the activities of the Clean Production Agreement (APL), Tierra Austral discussed the initiatives it has promoted in the Boldo Cantillana project, aimed at conserving the last remnants of the Mediterranean ecosystem in Central Chile.

Tierra Austral collaborates with the CEP on a conservation report

Tierra Austral collaborates with the CEP on a conservation report

Tierra Austral participated in the construction of the report titled 'Effective Biodiversity Conservation: 30 Urgent Measures for 2030,' providing information on the Derecho Real de Conservación (DRC) as a legal tool for private conservation. This information was incorporated into both the diagnosis of conservation in Chile and the recommendations presented in the study. The document also highlights the conservation standards jointly developed by the Tierra Austral and Así Conserva Chile.

Parque La Giganta: First sighting of a Chuncho

Parque La Giganta: First sighting of a Chuncho

During a field trip organized by the Fundación Tierra Austral to Parque La Giganta, a Chuncho was spotted for the first time. The location is a privately conserved area situated in the Panquehue commune, in the Valparaíso Region, perpetually protected through a Derecho Real de Conservación agreement. The species' scientific name is Glaucidium nana; it is a bird that inhabits from Atacama to Tierra del Fuego. It measures about 20 centimeters, and due to its size and silent flight, despite being described as the most abundant owl in Chile, it is not easy to spot.

Cerro Poqui assists the community following the emergency caused by the frontal system

Cerro Poqui assists the community following the emergency caused by the frontal system

Weeks ago, a strong frontal system negatively impacted certain areas of Chile, causing river overflows and flooding, consequently affecting a significant number of individuals. Coltauco, located in the O'Higgins Region, is a commune where the Cerro Poqui Nature Sanctuary is situated. As a result, the sanctuary team, a group of individuals from the neighboring communities that were severely affected by this frontal system, organized to assist the local residents. They collected food, clothing, and hygiene supplies to aid the community in the sector.

More than 270 hectares will be protected forever in the Maule Region

More than 270 hectares will be protected forever in the Maule Region

Tierra Austral has signed a Derecho Real de Conservación (DRC) agreement, creating a new privately protected area in the pre-Andean zone of the Maule Region. This agreement covers the Roblerías Estate located in the commune of Teno, a territory of just over 403 hectares, historically used for logging and tree cutting for firewood and charcoal production. Out of this territory, 69% will be protected forever, meaning that after the signing of this new RRC agreement, 278 hectares will be conserved in perpetuity.

Significant findings in monitoring in the O'Higgins Region

Significant findings in monitoring in the O’Higgins Region

In Bosques del Tinguiririca, a natural reserve in the O'Higgins Region covering an approximate area of 1,600 hectares (3953 acre), various camera traps were installed in November, in collaboration with the environmental consulting team from Photosintesis. These camera traps captured different species, including the Leopardus Colocolo, an Andean wildcat believed to be threatened (although there is not enough information to determine if it is endangered or in a vulnerable state).

Tierra Austral signs new DRC in Chiloé

Tierra Austral signs new DRC in Chiloé

We created a new private protected area in the Los Lagos Region. Thanks to the signing of a Derecho Real de Conservación agreement, more than 70 hectares will be protected forever on the Big Island of Chiloé, which are part of the Chepu Wetlands Nature Sanctuary. This conservation initiative called Alihuén, is a project of ecological restoration, sociocultural connectivity, organic agriculture and inclusive ecotourism.

Tierra Austral together with Conaf lead Workshop for the Prevention and Mitigation of Forest Fires

Tierra Austral together with Conaf lead Workshop for the Prevention and Mitigation of Forest Fires

In Chile, 99.7% of fires are caused by humans. For this reason, Tierra Austral together with the National Forestry Corporation held a theoretical and practical conference on the first attack for the prevention and mitigation of these accidents. Representatives of local organizations, companies and landowners from central Chile participated. On the day, in addition to Conaf, Dr. Lisa Micheli of the Pepperwood Foundation of California (United States) presented her experience in the field and explained the combat mechanisms they have in California to deal with this type of emergency.

Henry Tepper, senior advisor in strategic conservation of Tierra Austral, traveled to India

Henry Tepper, senior advisor in strategic conservation of Tierra Austral, traveled to India

For three weeks the representative of the Tierra Austral Foundation traveled to northwest and central India, invited by the International Land Conservation Networs (ILCN). The trip aimed to expand ILCN's network in India and learn about how conservation issues are addressed in that country. They visited public and private protected areas and learned about tireless efforts to protect lands for future generations.

Tierra Austral celebrates its tenth anniversary conserving nature

Tierra Austral celebrates its tenth anniversary conserving nature

In Tierra Austral we celebrate 10 years working to conserve the environment and ecosystems threatened by human activity in our country. How have we lived this decade protecting the different ecosystems that make up Chile's natural heritage? They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Enjoy the video that we prepared with love in this link.

COP 15 on Biodiversity: Tierra Austral team travels to Montreal, Canada

COP 15 on Biodiversity: Tierra Austral team travels to Montreal, Canada

We traveled to Canada to participate in the COP15 of Biodiversity in Montreal, and present our project Boldo Cantillana. During our participation, we were able to share with different organizations, indigenous communities and representatives of other conservation initiatives around the world. We hope that this conference will achieve effective results and ensure a robust biodiversity framework by 2030.

Australia: Tierra Austral attends the Indigenous Desert Alliance Conference 2022

Australia: Tierra Austral attends the Indigenous Desert Alliance Conference 2022

During November, members of the Tierra Austral team were invited by the BHP Foundation team to the 2022 Conference of the Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA), the largest annual meeting of indigenous rangers in Australia, where we had the honor of presenting about our Boldo Cantillana Project. The conference provided an immersion in topics related to the conservation actions of indigenous communities, the opportunity to see impressive monuments of the desert and the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with other organizations.

Tierra Austral leads the first

Tierra Austral leads the first “Encuentro por la Conservación de Chile Central”

Together with our friends from Photosintesis, we organized this day at the Cerro Poqui Nature Sanctuary to share with all those interested in caring for the biodiversity of Central Chile. It was a day of exchange of experiences and learning about the conservation project that is being carried out in El Poqui, in addition to knowing its natural value from the hand of experts in flora, fauna and insects.

Land Trust Rally 2022: Tierra Austral participates in annual meeting in New Orleans

Land Trust Rally 2022: Tierra Austral participates in annual meeting in New Orleans

Part of the Tierra Austral Foundation team, traveled to New Orleans in the United States, to participate in the LTA Rally 2022, the annual meeting of land trusts that seeks to provide a space for learning and exchange of the more than 1,200 organizations of this type in the country. Tierra Austral was invited to present on the Derecho Real de Conservación and the experience in Chile.

Tierra Austral leads governance workshop at The Cerro Poqui Nature Sanctuary

In early August, Tierra Austral and the consulting firm Photosintesis jointly hosted and moderated the first governance workshop at the Cerro Poqui Nature Sanctuary at the Doñihue Public Library. The workshop was attended by park rangers and other stakeholders who are strongly committed to the long-term stewardship of this beautiful nature reserve, which is protected in perpetuity by a Derecho Real de Conservación agreement. The participants in the workshop had a lively and constructive discussion about long-term sustainable management and governance goals for the reserve. This meeting, set an important precedent for ongoing discussions about, and planning for, the permanent conservation and sustainable management of Cerro Poqui.

Don Weeden joins the Board of Directors of Fundación Tierra Austral

Don Weeden joins the Board of Directors of Fundación Tierra Austral

Don Weeden is an internationally-known conservation leader who recently retired from serving for more than 20 years as the Executive Director of the New York-based Weeden Foundation, an international organization that supports a wide range of programs that aim to preserve biodiversity, nationally and internationally. Don has had an instrumental role in launching the private lands conservation efforts in Chile and, from now on, he joins the Board of Directors of Tierra Austral to add his experience and commitment with the protection of our ecosystems to the work we do.

Tierra Austral conducts a field visit to advance the opening of Parque La Giganta

Tierra Austral conducts a field visit to advance the opening of Parque La Giganta

Tierra Austral visited Parque La Giganta to explore its potential trails and work collaboratively in generating the necessary infrastructure and measures for its sustainable opening to the community. They ensure the constant preservation of its conservation values. The park is a private conservation initiative located in the Panquehue commune, Valparaíso Region, in the northwest headwaters of the Aconcagua Valley. It serves as a sanctuary for endemic flora and fauna species characteristic of the Mediterranean ecosystem in central Chile, an area considered one of the world's biodiversity hotspots due to its high levels of endemism and the significant threats it faces.

Fundación Tierra Austral presents at an international seminar

Fundación Tierra Austral presents at an international seminar

The Assembly of the Local Congress of the State of Sonora in Mexico approved a decree that strengthens conservation areas and creates fiscal and financial instruments to incentivize the establishment of protected areas, incorporating the concept of Derecho Real de Conservación (DRC). Victoria Alonso, Executive Director of Fundación Tierra Austral, and Andrés Pinto, President of the network Así Conserva Chile, were invited to speak at an international seminar due to their roles as prominent organizations with experience in Chile regarding the design and implementation process of DRC agreements that ensure effective nature conservation.

Tierra Austral commits to establishing a new DRC in Aysén

Tierra Austral commits to establishing a new DRC in Aysén

Tierra Austral has signed a commitment to work on the establishment of a Derecho Real de Conservación agreement (DRC)  that will protect over 890 hectares (2200 Acres) in the Mañihuales area of the Aysén Region in perpetuity. The objective of this agreement is to formally safeguard the biodiversity of this region, which serves as a transition zone between two ecosystems (forest and steppe scrubland) and is under threat due to the impacts of climate change and unregulated human activities that fragment ecosystems and contribute to habitat loss.

Tierra Austral organizes a seminar on the rise of land divisions in Patagonia

Tierra Austral organizes a seminar on the rise of land divisions in Patagonia

On Friday, June 3rd, the virtual seminar "Expansion of land divisions in Patagonia: a socio-environmental threat" was held, featuring presentations by Juan Pablo Schuster, a lawyer and doctoral candidate in Geography, and Patricio Pliscoff, a Doctor in Biological Sciences. Both professionals provided their perspectives, addressing the legal and environmental aspects regarding the impacts of the expansion of land divisions in the Chilean Patagonia. The seminar was supported and organized by various institutions and civil society organizations present in the region.

Cerro Poqui: Tierra Austral conducts a workshop with park rangers and owners

Cerro Poqui: Tierra Austral conducts a workshop with park rangers and owners

Fundación Tierra Austral and the environmental consultancy Photosintesis led a meeting between the owners and all those who have collaborated as park rangers in the Cerro Poqui sanctuary at the beginning of June. The objective was to create a shared space to define short and medium-term goals and objectives, and to establish guidelines for the development of a sustainable financial management model for this location. Throughout this process, they valued the commitment and support of local organizations in raising awareness within the community about the importance of conservation

FTA in Patagonia: Exploring the Private Conservation Initiative in Cerro Guido

Part of the team from Fundación Tierra Austral visited the Torres del Paine commune in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region to learn about the private conservation project being developed at Estancia Cerro Guido. Currently, this project is being carried out as a comprehensive conservation initiative led by the Cerro Guido Conservación Foundation. The main objective is to promote a respectful coexistence between traditional land uses, sustainable tourism, and the conservation of native species that inhabit the area.

FTA Executive Director speaks at conservation seminar

FTA Executive Director speaks at conservation seminar

Victoria Alonso, Executive Director of Fundación Tierra Austral, spoke at the seminar "Environmental Conservation Instruments" organized by the Chilean Chapter of the Inter-American Association of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering (AIDIS-Chile). The seminar focused on various environmental conservation instruments. Alonso delved into the foundation's experience with the application of the Derecho Real de Conservación (DRC) in Chile as a suitable tool for private conservation.

Tierra Austral team visits Los Queñes area

Tierra Austral team visits Los Queñes area

During a three-day tour, we explored part of the area, which is characterized by the Mediterranean ecosystem and dominated by mountainous landscapes with steep slopes and deep canyons. Among them, the tributaries of the Teno and Claro rivers stand out. The place is a transitional area between different ecosystems of the central and southern regions of the country, which are currently threatened by habitat loss and soil degradation. Species such as the Tricahue parrot, puma, concón, black woodpecker, canelo, lingue, naranjillo, and cypress of the mountain range can be found in this area.

Tierra Austral participates in a workshop with the San Juan de Piche Sanctuary

Tierra Austral participates in a workshop with the San Juan de Piche Sanctuary

The Tierra Austral team participated in a workshop to update the management plan of the San Juan de Piche Nature Sanctuary, a session led by the consulting firm Tepual Conservación. During this enriching and dynamic event, we collaborated with various stakeholders from the Alhué community, as well as other sanctuaries in the Metropolitan Region and relevant conservation organizations. Through the exchange of experiences, we worked together to outline the best way to protect this place and its significant socio-environmental value.

Annual monitoring in Valle California: Tierra Austral visits Palena to assess the conservation status of a 3,200-ha. private protected area

Annual monitoring in Valle California: Tierra Austral visits Palena to assess the conservation status of a 3,200-ha. private protected area

The first property ever protected by Tierra Austral is the magnificent Valle California landscape, which is located in Palena, Los Lagos Region, in Patagonia. Tierra Austral’s staff has monitoring Valle California for compliance with the Servidumbre Voluntaria agreement every year since 2015.  During 2020 and 2021, Covid pandemic travel restrictions required the staff to complete this monitoring remotely, using satellite images. In March of 2022, the staff had the chance to visit the property for the first time in more than two years.

One more sign of the resilience of the sclerophyllous forest

One more sign of the resilience of the sclerophyllous forest

Two months after the forest fire that consumed 216 hectares of native forest in the Las Damas hill (VI region), we returned to the place with the professor and doctor in Forest Sciences, Marcelo Miranda, representatives of the organization De Quillayquén a Poqui and the Municipality of Coltauco. The objective was to assess the state of the forest and contribute to the discussion on how to restore damaged ecosystems. With enthusiasm we confirmed the resilience of the sclerophyllous forest that is already showing signs of recovery with regrowths of more than 12 different endemic species.

Tierra Austral signs new agreement that conserves rare Mediterranean habitat in Central Chile

Tierra Austral signs new agreement that conserves rare Mediterranean habitat in Central Chile

A few weeks ago, Tierra Austral joined with the owners of the El Níspero property to sign an agreement to formally protect this beautiful and ecologically rare landscape. El Níspero is located in the Coastal Mountain Range of the commune of Coltauco, O'Higgins Region. This agreement would protect about 85 hectares with the Derecho Real de Conservación. The property is of particular importance because it is listed as a Priority Site for the Conservation of Biodiversity in Chile’s National Biodiversity Strategy . El Níspero is also significant because its protection would help create landscape connectivity between the Coastal Range and the Andes.

Tierra Austral team visits the Cochamó Valley to explore possible land conservation opportunities

Tierra Austral team visits the Cochamó Valley to explore possible land conservation opportunities

In February, the Tierra Austral team traveled to La Junta in the Cochamó Valley, Los Lagos Region, where it met with the Puelo Patagonia organization to discuss conservation projects and opportunities in this beautiful area. The two NGOs talked about the possibility of protecting priority landscapes, including those threatened by unsustainable development, with Derecho Real de Conservación (DRC) agreements.

Tierra Austral officially joins the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Tierra Austral officially joins the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

On February 16, the IUCN Council approved the admission of Fundación Tierra Austral as one of the 2 new members of South America, out of a total of 19 organizations around the world. From now on, and as an active member of the IUCN, Tierra Austral will join the more than 1400 governmental and non-governmental organizations that contribute to nature conservation and the transition to sustainable development worldwide.

Tierra Austral lectures on private lands conservation in Chile and beyond to European University classes

Tierra Austral lectures on private lands conservation in Chile and beyond to European University classes

Henry Tepper, Tierra Austral's Strategic Conservation Advisor, has joined with Angelo Salsi, Director of Natural Resources, Climate, Sustainable Blue Economy, and Clean Energy at the European Commission's Life Program, to deliver a series guest lectures to graduate students at European universities. The subject of the lectures is to talk about private lands conservation globally, including the Chilean case with the Derecho Real de Conservación and the BHPF-supported Boldo to Cantillana mediterranean habitat conservation project.

Chilean National Congress passes tax reform legislation with incentives for charitable contributions to non-profit organizations

Chilean National Congress passes tax reform legislation with incentives for charitable contributions to non-profit organizations

After decades of debate, the Chilean Congress passed tax reform legislation that will create important new incentives for philanthropy in Chile, including for contributions to environmental conservation. Tierra Austral welcomes this tax reform legislation, which it believes will make it easier for private landowners to take action to protect their properties with DRCs and will encourage increased support of environmental conservation.

Tierra Austral staff visits Parque Valle Los Ulmos to advance property’s permanent protection

Tierra Austral staff visits Parque Valle Los Ulmos to advance property’s permanent protection

Tierra Austral visited this place of more than 600 hectares of evergreen forest in Los Lagos Region that will be protected in perpetuity, through the implementation of a Derecho Real de Conservación (DRC) There, our team witnessed the richness of endemic flora and fauna that inhabit the park, in addition to the diversity of amphibians that takes refuge in this private conservation initiative that reconciles the protection of nature with sustainable and planned cohabitation. One more step to preserve these ecosystems!

Boldo Cantillana project: Tierra Austral completes phase one and achieves approval for phase two

Boldo Cantillana project: Tierra Austral completes phase one and achieves approval for phase two

The Boldo Cantillana project protects ecologically significant landscapes composed of Chile's Mediterranean habitat, with the aim of generating a 930,000-hectare landscape corridor that extends from Santiago to Zapallar, connecting the Coastal Range to the Andes Mountains. Between 2019 and 2021, Tierra Austral completed the first phase of this project with the signing of three DRC agreements: two in the O'Higgins Region and one in the Metropolitan Region. During the second phase of the project, the use of this tool in the corridor will be created, replicated, consolidated, and expanded, increasing the protected area.

Tierra Austral signs a new Derecho Real de Conservación in Cantillana mountain range

Tierra Austral signs a new Derecho Real de Conservación in Cantillana mountain range

Through the signing of a new Derecho Real de Conserbación (DRC) in the Águila Sur Ecological Community (Paine, Metropolitan Region) more than 230 hectares of the Mediterranean ecosystem of central Chile will be preserved. Under this DRC, native and endemic species such as the litre, quillay, peumo, canelo and the lingue, will be protected in perpetuity from threats typical of the central area of the country such as deforestation or the advance of agricultural projects.

Community activity at Cerro Poqui Nature Sanctuary

Community activity at Cerro Poqui Nature Sanctuary

To end the year, Tierra Austral held an activity with the community of Coltauco, to learn about the biological richness of the sanctuary, and tell them about the conservation project that is being carried out. Through the implementation of a DRC, a management plan was built that will guide the effective and sustainable management of the sanctuary, in order to guarantee its long-term conservation. Thus, access control will be implemented to protect the conservation area; a measure which was positively received by the community, reaffirming the collective commitment to take care of  Poqui.

Tierra Austral presents at ILCN-ELCN Global Land Conservation Congress

Tierra Austral presents at ILCN-ELCN Global Land Conservation Congress

The event, organized by the International Conservation Network (ILCN) and the European Land Conservation Network (Eurosite-ELCN), brought together professionals and entities dedicated to conservation to highlight the efforts made to protect biodiversity and restore ecosystems worldwide. Tierra Austral participated as an exhibitor with the aim of discussing and comparing the different legal tools that are being used to protect private lands, delving into their development process, challenges and achievements, highlighting the Derecho Real de Conservación.

Tierra Austral signs a new Derecho Real de Conservación agreement in Chilean Patagonia

Tierra Austral signs a new Derecho Real de Conservación agreement in Chilean Patagonia

With the establishment of a Derecho Real de Conservación agreement, 70 hectares of critical habitats on the banks of the Futaleufú River, Los Lagos region, will be protected in perpetuity. This new protected area has an important ecological value for the restoration of the ecosystem, highlighting the presence of species in the conservation category such as the Cypress of the Cordillera and animals such as the puma, güiña and the huemul.

Visiting the King Penguin Nature Reserve

Visiting the King Penguin Nature Reserve

The Tierra Austral team visited this valuable private conservation initiative in Porvenir, Magallanes Region, Tierra del Fuego The @pinguinorey team received us and guided us on our tour in which we were able to visit the home of a colony of more than 140 penguins, unique in South America, which found in the reserve a place to nest, feed and grow protected on the shores of the Strait of Magellan. In addition to the conservation of the King Penguin, the reserve is dedicated to the conservation of other endemic species, ecotourism and environmental education.

Tierra Austral participates in a seminar on forest species adaptation and climate change

Tierra Austral participates in a seminar on forest species adaptation and climate change

In the current context of climate crisis, our Executive Director, Victoria Alonso, together with Ricardo Díaz, Head of The Environmental Assessment Department of CONAF, and Carlos Marambio, specialist evaluator of the Environmental Assessment Service, participated in a webinar in which different options were presented to face the loss of forests as one of the main effects of climate change.

Tierra Austral signs commitment to establish a Derecho Real de Conservación in Parque Valle Los Ulmos (X Region)

Tierra Austral signs commitment to establish a Derecho Real de Conservación in Parque Valle Los Ulmos (X Region)

that seeks to reconcile the preservation of nature with sustainable habitability. A refuge for amphibians and endemic species, the park is a key place for environmental education and scientific research about ecological restoration. The community of partners of Parque Valle Los Ulmos together with Tierra Austral and the NGO Ranita de Darwin  -who will act as co-owners- committed to establish a Real Right of Conservation (DRC) on 90% of the property that will protect these ecosystems in perpetuity, generating, in addition, the first Frog Sanctuary in the country.

First Forest Fire Prevention Workshop

First Forest Fire Prevention Workshop

Last Wednesday, October 20, Tierra Austral held the first Forest Fire Prevention Workshop for owners who have properties in the Mediterranean ecosystem of Central Chile. Through the seed capital of the Boldo a Cantillana project -supported by the BHP Foundation- Tierra Austral organized this instance in the Altos de Cantillana Natural Reserve, in the commune of Paine, in which more than 20 owners participated. The day began with talks and trainings by the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), continued with the exchange of experiences between owners and ended with a practical simulation activity where attendees were able apply what they learned.

Tierra Austral participates in the Land Trust Alliance Rally 2021

Tierra Austral participates in the Land Trust Alliance Rally 2021

Fundación Tierra Austral participated as a speaker in the 2021 version of the Land Trust Alliance Rally, an event that brings together non-profit organizations around the world dedicated to the conservation of private lands and the protection of nature through different legal tools. On this occasion, the panel "A Land Trust Grows in Chile: The Tierra Austral Foundation" was led to give an account of our experience developing conservation projects on private lands through the use of the Derecho Real de Conservación. It also important to highlight that Tierra Austral’s staff participated in the technical training workshops of the event, to strength the work carried out by each our specialists.

Tierra Austral signs a commitment to establish a Derecho Real de Conservación in an area next to the San Juan de Piche Nature Sanctuary.

Tierra Austral signs a commitment to establish a Derecho Real de Conservación in an area next to the San Juan de Piche Nature Sanctuary.

San Juan de Piche is in the heart of the Cordón de Cantillana, a priority site for the conservation of Chile's biodiversity. With an area of 1,617 hectares, this place has unique ecological attributes due to the variety of its ecosystems, the diversity and endemism of its flora and fauna. Thus, the Robles de Cantillana Corporation -entity in charge of the administration of the Sanctuary- together with Tierra Austral, undertook to establish a Derecho Real de Conservación to protect in perpetuity more than 100 hectares in the area of access to the Sanctuary, creating a new private protected area in the Cordón de Cantillana that will contribute to reduce the risk of affectation of the protected habitat in San Juan de Piche.

Tierra Austral achieves a new Derecho Real de Conservación agreement in Panquehue

Tierra Austral achieves a new Derecho Real de Conservación agreement in Panquehue

Within the framework of the Boldo Cantillana project, supported by the BHP Foundation, Tierra Austral established a new Derecho Real de Conservación (DRC) agreement on La Giganta hill, Panquehue commune, Valparaíso Region. In its role as a Land Trust, Tierra Austral signed as the holder of this conservation agreement that will protect 228 hectares of the property in perpetuity, corresponding to the 94% of the total area of the land. Thus, the establishment of this DRC agreement marks a relevant milestone in the protection of the Mediterranean ecosystem of central Chile, one of the most threatened areas in the country.

Tierra Austral implements a remote monitoring modality

Tierra Austral implements a remote monitoring modality

Through the use of satellite images obtained from the Landsat and/or Sentinel programs, the remote monitoring methodology allows constant and remote monitoring of each property, complementing field monitoring. Thus, with a time scale between 5 and 15 days, remote monitoring is presented as an opportunity to evaluate remote lands of difficult access or greater extension and, at the same time, makes it possible to raise the necessary alerts early and take measures to face threats or possible violations of the perimeters of the areas under conservation.

Tierra Austral participates as a member of the jury for the National Environmental Award 2021

Tierra Austral participates as a member of the jury for the National Environmental Award 2021

In the seventh version of the National Environmental Award, led by Fundación Recyclápolis, the executive director of Fundación Tierra Austral, Victoria Alonso, was invited to be part of the jury in charge of evaluating and choosing the winning projects. The instance seeks to highlight initiatives of the public and private sector that propose innovative solutions for the productive and sustainable development of Chile. There were 12 winning projects out of a total of 85 in competition.

Tierra Austral and Fundación Reforestemos sign a collaborative agreement to support and strengthen private lands conservation

Tierra Austral and Fundación Reforestemos sign a collaborative agreement to support and strengthen private lands conservation

Fundación Reforestemos and Tierra Austral will work together to advance conservation projects on private lands through the implementation of Derecho Real de Conservación (DRC) agreements. The agreement states that Tierra Austral will provide technical support to Reforestemos to protect forest properties with DRC agreements. Both organizations are committed to using best standards and practices in the DRC agreements and all elements of these projects.

Tierra Austral and The Pew Charitable Trusts launch new digital platform to promote private lands conservation

Tierra Austral and The Pew Charitable Trusts launch new digital platform to promote private lands conservation

Fundación Tierra Austral and the international organization The PEW Charitable Trusts have launched a new educational website to disseminate information about the Derecho Real de Conservación (DRC), and promote best practices for its use. The principal goal of the new website is to raise awareness of the DRC, and to provide practical information about how it can be an attractive, secure and flexible land protection tool for a diverse range of property owners throughout Chile.

View this link www.derechoaconservar.cl to see explanatory videos, important information documents, and stories from landowners about their successful use of the DRC.

Tierra Austral signed three Derecho Real de Conservación agreements

Tierra Austral signed three Derecho Real de Conservación agreements

Tierra Austral has recently signed three Derecho Real de Conservación (DRC) agreements, and signed an MoU on a fourth, protecting critical habitat in several regions of the country. The DRC is the Chilean equivalent of a conservation easement in the US or a conservation covenant in Australia, and is now a part of Chile's Civil Law. The DRC agreements include: the Cerro Poqui property, which is comprised of the rarest, most threatened and least protected habitat in Chile, the Mediterranean habitat of the Central Valley-- this is FTA's highest conservation priority; the Lago Chapo property in northern Patagonia; and the Rio Chico property, located in the Futalefeú River Watershed, also in Patagonia. The MoU will protect the Casa Ecologica landscape, which is also comprised of beautiful Mediterranean habitat. After years of hard work and planning, FTA will now be protecting many more landscapes using the Derecho Real de Conservación. We are grateful to our committed conservation landowners, and to the BHP Foundation for its multi-year support of our work.

Webinar on Derecho Real de Conservación

Webinar on Derecho Real de Conservación

The Fundación Tierra Austral collaborated with The PEW Charitable Trusts to host a webinar called “The Derecho Real de Conservación as an Iinstrument for PrivateLland Conservation. Presenters at the webinar included Victoria Alonso, the Executive Director of Tierra Austral, Franco Acchiardo, a Partner at the Grasty Quintana Majlis Law Firm and Henry Tepper, FTA’s Strategic Conservation Advisor, who is also an Instructor in the Sustainability Program at the Harvard University Extension School and Brandeis University.

Participation in the Land Trust Alliance Rally

Participation in the Land Trust Alliance Rally

Several members of Tierra Austral’s staff participated in the Land Trust Alliance Rally, an event organized annually by the Land Trust Alliance, the national service organization for private, non-profit land conservation organizations in the United States. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the three-day Rally was held virtually. FTA’s Strategic Conservation Advisor Henry Tepper joined several colleagues from the International and European Conservation Networks and the Australian Land Conservation Alliance to make a presentation called “Private Land Conservation Around the World: New Opportunities to Teach and Learn.”

Webinars on Standards and Best practices in Private Lands Conservation in Chile

Webinars on Standards and Best practices in Private Lands Conservation in Chile

In connection to the publication described above, Tierra Austral and ASÍ Conserva Chile hosted a series of 6 webinars to present the best practices for private lands conservation in Chile. The workshops covered a comprehensive range of topics, including land trust governance and the use of the Derecho Real de Conservación. These workshops were also well-attended, and the FTA team answered the many questions asked by the attendees.

Launch of publication on Best Practices for Private Lands Conservation in Chile

Launch of publication on Best Practices for Private Lands Conservation in Chile

Tierra Austral and ASí Conserva Chile have released an important new publication, “Standards for Private Land Conservation in Chile.” The publication, which was made possible by a grant from the Innova CORO Project, provides detailed and practical information on both the operation of NGO land conservation groups and on all facets of the practice of the Derecho Real de Conservación. Staff from FTA and ASÍ Conserva Chile spoke about the publication at an online workshop that was attended by more than 350 people, including landowners, non-profit organizations, practitioners, and other entities involved in private lands conservation.

You can download the publication here: https://www.estandaresparaconservar.cl/

FTA participates in the Virtual International Land Conservation Network Global Congress

FTA participates in the Virtual International Land Conservation Network Global Congress

Fundación Tierra Austral presented its El Boldo to Cantillana project at the International Land Conservation Network Congress (ILCN), organized by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. Other members of the Peer Large Landscape Learning Exchange also presented at the webinar, which was organized as a temporary replacement for the in-person Third Annual ILCN Congress.

Participation in the annual meeting organized by the BHP Foundation

Participation in the annual meeting organized by the BHP Foundation

Fundación Tierra Austral participated in the Online Annual Partners Workshop organized by the BHP Foundation. The workshop was originally scheduled as an in-person meeting to be held in the Amazonian forest in Peru, but, because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, it was rescheduled as three online workshops.

Participation in the annual meeting organized by ALCA

Participation in the annual meeting organized by ALCA

Fundación Tierra Austral participated in the Annual Meeting organized by the Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA), held in Adelaide, Australia. Tierra Austral Board member and consultant Henry Tepper discussed the Boldo-Cantillana project as part of a panel on the BHP Foundation’s Environmental Resilience Program, and he also spoke at an all-day Conservation Finance Workshop.

Participation in the Chile-California Exchange Program

Participation in the Chile-California Exchange Program

For the third year in a row, Fundación Tierra Austral helped plan and made a presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Chile-California Exchange Program, which was held in October, 2019, in Point Reyes, California, United States. FTA’s Executive Director Diego Tabilo presented the Boldo-Cantillana project at the meeting.

Participation in the Large Landscape Peer Learning Exchange, organized by the Lincoln Institute for Land Policy

Participation in the Large Landscape Peer Learning Exchange, organized by the Lincoln Institute for Land Policy

In 2018 and 2019, Tierra Austral participated in a series of meetings of the first Large Landscape Peer Exchange, which has been organized by the Lincoln Institute for Land Policy. In September of 2019, in Woodstock, Vermont, United States, FTA Executive President Victoria Alonso and Board member Henry Tepper made a presentation on the Boldo-Cantillana project at the third and last meeting of the Peer Exchange. Other participants in the Exchange included the leaders of the Appalachian Trail and Conservancy (Eastern USA), Golden Gate Park (San Francisco, USA) and the Ruta de los Parques (Patagonia, Chile).

Execution of cooperation agreement with the Pro Bono Foundation

Execution of cooperation agreement with the Pro Bono Foundation

Marking a significant breakthrough for the long-term stewardship of its Derecho Real de Conservación agreements, the Fundación Tierra Austral and the Pro Bono Foundation signed an agreement in which the Foundation made the commitment to provide free legal defense of the Derecho Real de Conservación agreements held by Tierra Austral.

Workshop on Standards of the Derecho Real de Conservación

Workshop on Standards of the Derecho Real de Conservación

Within the framework of the project Establecimiento de Estándares para Iniciativas de Conservación Privada (ICP), Land Trusts y uso del Derecho Real de Conservación (DRC) en Chile, a participatory workshop on the DRC was held, in which the standards proposed where analyzed and the principles and indicators of the law were discussed.

Workshop on Land Trust Standards

Workshop on Land Trust Standards

Within the framework of the project Establecimiento de Estándares para Iniciativas de Conservación Privada (ICP), Land Trusts y uso del Derecho Real de Conservación (DRC) en Chile, a presentation on Land Trusts and their function both in Chile and abroad was made. Fundación Tierra Austral took the opportunity to give a presentation, as co-implementer of the CORFO Project and also as current Land Trust in Chile. Additionally, group work was performed in order to analyze and discuss the proposed standards.

Participation in the International Land Conservation Network Global Congress

Participation in the International Land Conservation Network Global Congress

Fundación Tierra Austral participated and was fully engaged in the planning of the second Global Congress of the International Land Conservation Network: “From Communities to Countries: Visionary Conservation in a Changing World”, held in Santiago in January of 2018. The Congress was particularly exciting for Tierra Austral, because it showcased the globally influential leadership of the Chilean private lands conservation initiative and FTA’s leadership role in this effort. In particular, Tierra Austral had a chance to raise awareness of the Derecho Real de Conservación among conservation professionals from around the world, and in particular from countries that use Civil Law.

Seminar at the Land Trust Alliance Rally

Seminar at the Land Trust Alliance Rally

Representatives of Fundación Tierra Austral participated in a well-received panel presentation at the national meeting of the Land Trust Alliance in Denver, Colorado, United States. Joining FTA on the panel were several of our closest friends and colleagues, leaders of the long, complex and ultimately successful effort to pass the Derecho Real de Conservación in the Chilean Congress in 2016. The panelists included: Michael Grasty, of the law firm Grasty, Quintana & Majlis, and now the Chair of FTA’s Board of Directors; Roberto Peralta, of the law firm Peralta, Gutiérrez & Asociados, and now a member of FTA’s Board; Victoria Alonso, then the Chair of FTA’s Board and now its Executive Director; FTA Board member and consultant Henry Tepper, Fundación Tierra Austral; Francisco Solís, the Executive Director of the Pew Charitable Trusts program in Chile; and Jim Levitt of the Lincoln Institute for Land Policy and the International Land Conservation Network, who served as Moderator.

Forum for lawyers and representatives of the private sector

Forum for lawyers and representatives of the private sector

Fundación Tierra Austral participated in an event organized by the Pro Bono Foundation. The Foundation invited Tierra Austral to give a lecture at a forum on the “benefits and challenges of the Derecho Real de Conservación”. The presenters were Michael Grasty and Franco Acchiardo, of the law firm Grasty, Quintana & Majlis, engaged in private conservation in Chile for some time now. Henry Tepper, member of the board of Tierra Austral, Martijn Wilder, partner of the law firm Baker & McKenzie Australia, and Carolina Contreras, Executive Director of the Pro Bono Foundation, were also presenters.

New private lands conservation enabling legislation is passed by the Chilean Congress

New private lands conservation enabling legislation is passed by the Chilean Congress

Law 20,930, creating the new Derecho Real de Conservación, was enacted by the Government of Chile, upon the unanimous consent of the Congress. The new law, which has been the focus of an eight-year effort by conservation efforts, is widely viewed as a breakthrough for private lands conservation in Chile and beyond.

Tierra Austral joins the Land Trust Alliance

Tierra Austral joins the Land Trust Alliance

Fundación Tierra Austral became a member of the Land Trust Alliance, the national service organization for private, non-profit land conservation organizations in the United States.

The Senate of Chile adopts, in general, the Derecho Real de Conservación

The Senate of Chile adopts, in general, the Derecho Real de Conservación

On May 7th, 2014, by 29 votes in favor, no dissenting votes and no abstentions, the Senate passed private lands conservation enabling legislation, the Derecho Real de Conservación. The next step in the Chilean Congress’s consideration of this law will be an analysis by the Joint Commissions (Congressional Committees) on Constitution and Environment.

Tierra Austral visits Sonoma Land Trust

Tierra Austral visits Sonoma Land Trust

The Executive Director of Fundación Tierra Austral Gabriela Franco and board member David Tecklin were invited by the Sonoma Land Trust, a prominent land trust in California in the United States, to learn about its private conservation projects and strategies in the Mediterranean climate of California. Gabriela and David had the opportunity to learn about the Sonoma Land Trust, to visit some of the properties that it has conserved, and to tell the land trust’s leadership about the work of Tierra Austral. While in the US, Gabriela and David also participated in a statewide conference of California land trusts.