Is Kristine Tompkins saving Chile's wilderness?

Chile is set to establish its 47th national park, encompassing 315,000 acres around Cape Froward, in March 2024. This initiative is largely attributed to the dedicated efforts of U.S. conservationist Kristine Tompkins and her organization, Tompkins Conservation. Since its inception, Tompkins Conservation has contributed significantly to the landscape of Chilean conservation, establishing 15 national parks alongside two marine parks, culminating in the protection of 14.8 million acres of land and 30 million acres of ocean in Chile and Argentina. Tompkins's vision includes fostering a deeper understanding of humanity’s connection to nature, ensuring the survival of life on Earth for the future generations. The process leading up to the formation of this national park began in 2021 when Tompkins Conservation made a major purchase of nearly 94,000 hectares from a local family. This purchase laid the groundwork for future conservation efforts and encouraged the local community to support the initiative due to its focus on protecting the surrounding landscape. Subsequently, the organization invested in acquiring a second tract of land, adding 84,000 acres to the conservation goals. The Chilean government officially agreed to create the national park in March 2024, confirming the efforts of Tompkins Conservation to preserve these critical ecosystems. Research tools, including camera traps and sound recording devices, have been deployed to study and monitor the wildlife in the area. This monitoring program aims to assess the natural soundscape and animal movement patterns, which are essential for informed conservation practices. As the park comes into existence, it will serve as a crucial area for biodiversity, demonstrating the importance of ecological preservation. Carolina Morgado, executive director of Rewilding Chile, expressed pride in Tompkins's efforts, highlighting their significant role in Chilean conservation history. With Tompkins Conservation focusing on sustainable land use and the promotion of national parks, there is an emphasis on not just preserving nature, but also engaging the community in the efforts to protect biodiversity. The historic whaling station and old lighthouses along the coast are reminders of the rich maritime heritage of the region, furthering the importance of creating awareness about the ecological and cultural significance of protecting these lands. Overall, the creation of this national park represents a crucial step towards long-term conservation and environmental education in the region.