Chile has reached a major milestone for nature and communities alike. The Government of Chile has officially declared the Futaleufú and Puelo Rivers as Environmental Flow Reserves, the country’s first-ever rivers to receive this form of legal protection.
This landmark decision guarantees that a significant portion of each river’s natural flow will remain intact to preserve its ecosystems, while still allowing for sustainable local use. For the people of Patagonia, it marks the fulfillment of a vision years in the making: one where thriving rivers support both biodiversity and local livelihoods.
Monti Aguirre, Latin America Director for International Rivers and a member of the Chilean Coalition for Protected Rivers, stated: “The recognition of the Puelo and Futaleufú as Environmental Water Reserves marks a major step forward for river protection in Chile and across Latin America — proof that when communities unite, rivers win.”
This achievement is supported by the Ríos Protegidos Coalition, a network of more than 15 organizations – including International Rivers – committed to advancing science-based and community-driven river protection across Chile.
Read the full press release
Photo: Pueblo River (Credit: Rios Protegidos)