Chile to Establish Cape Froward National Park Protecting Patagonian Coastline and Indigenous Heritage
Chile plans to create Cape Froward National Park, its 47th national park, aimed at protecting approximately 200,000 hectares of remote Patagonian coastline and forests. The park will form part of a 2,800 km wildlife corridor stretching to the southern tip of the country.
This initiative is a result of efforts by Tompkins Conservation and Rewilding Chile, with land donations arranged in 2023 to establish the park. The area hosts endangered species including huemul deer, pumas, and huillín otters. In February, a population of 10 huemul deer was recorded within the park, and wildlife cameras regularly capture images of other species.
The park encompasses about 10,000 hectares of sphagnum bogs, which offer significant carbon storage and present a unique habitat.
The San Isidro lighthouse on the Strait of Magellan, designed by George Slight, is undergoing restoration to become a museum and will serve as the park’s entry point. The park also highlights archaeological sites and the heritage of the Kawésqar people along the coast, with recognition of other Indigenous groups such as the Yagán, Selknam, and Tehuelche, underscoring the intent to preserve their cultural legacy.
An Indigenous consultation was held in September in accordance with Chilean law. The environment ministry aims to advance the park's plans by March. If no progress is made within two years, the land may revert to Tompkins’ organizations.
Overall, the project seeks to connect ecosystems across Chilean Patagonia into a protected mosaic that safeguards biodiversity and honors Indigenous histories.
