Petition to protect Valle Cochamó in Patagonia Chile

The future of Chile's world-famous Cochamó valley is unclear with circa 1/3 of the land up for sale. After having been taken off the market a few years ago, a 131,000-hectare privately-owned hacienda is on sale once again, reportedly at an asking price of US$ 150 million. Since the area currently enjoys no legal protection, local organisations are worried it will be purchased by outside investors interested in radically altering the pristine nature of the valley.

Described by many as the "Yosemite of Chile" and the "lungs of Chilean Patagonia", the area is home to countless endangered species such as puma, pudu deer, Huemul, Southern Darwin's frog and condor. Thousands of acres of endangered redwood trees thrive in lush forests towered by huge granite peaks. The valley is recognised internationally for its incomparable beauty and excellent trekking, climbing, kayaking, horse riding and fishing.

A grassroots appeal to safeguard the area's future has been launched. Directed at the Chilean government, its aim is to declare the land a Santuarios de la Naturaleza, a Nature Sanctuary, and therefore halt any projects that could potentially destroy the valley. At present over 66,000 people have signed the online petition and while this is rapidly gaining traction, local organisations are asking for as much international suport as possible.

Click here to sign the petition: www.change.org

Info: dfmas.df.cl