Rewilding national parks is advancing in Chile through a 127,000-hectare land donation to create Cape Froward National Park at the tip of the Americas, protecting endangered huemul deer and subantarctic forests.
Cape Froward represents a new model for rewilding national parks through collaboration between Rewilding Chile, Tompkins Conservation, and Chilean and international philanthropists. The initiative protects unique ecosystems on the southern Brunswick Peninsula while safeguarding natural and cultural heritage in the Magallanes region. The park sits 62 kilometers southwest of Punta Arenas at the southernmost point of continental South America.
The rewilding national parks project acquired its first property, covering 93,492 hectares, in 2021, with support from Tompkins Conservation and donor networks. A second purchase of 33,810 hectares was completed in 2024 thanks to the same philanthropists. Both properties were offered to the State of Chile during President Gabriel Boric’s administration from 2021 to 2025.
The donated lands, combined with public lands, create a future protected area comprising just over 155,000 hectares. In 2025, the lands offered by the Foundation were transferred to the State for rewilding within a two-year timeframe, according to agreements signed with the Ministry of National Assets.
Cape Froward encompasses vast expanses of subantarctic forest and peatlands. The area hosts the world’s southernmost conifer, the Guaitecas cypress. It represents the last continental habitat of the endangered huemul deer and provides refuge for the ruddy-headed goose, both of which face extinction.
The territory holds significance as the ancestral land of the Kawésqar people. The area carries a rich history dating to the era of explorers at the end of the world. This cultural heritage adds layers of importance to rewilding national parks beyond ecological values alone.
Recent wildlife surveys discovered rare Andean deer in unexplored pockets of Patagonia within the proposed park boundaries. An unusual sighting of a huemul deer on the Magellan Coast raised hopes of discovering a new subpopulation of this endangered species. These findings demonstrate that rewilding protects biodiversity that remains unknown.
Marine expeditions explored waters around Cape Froward, documenting coastal ecosystems. The waters at the end of the world support unique marine biodiversity adapted to cold subantarctic conditions. The project extends protection beyond terrestrial habitats to surrounding marine environments.
The subantarctic forests in this rewilding national parks project differ significantly from temperate rainforests farther north. Harsh winds, cold temperatures, and poor soils create stunted forest growth. Lenga and coigüe trees dominate alongside the endemic Guaitecas cypress. These forests store substantial carbon while providing wildlife habitat.
Peatlands within the park boundaries represent globally significant carbon storage systems. These wetlands accumulated organic matter over thousands of years. Protecting peatlands prevents carbon release that would occur if they were drained or degraded.
The philanthropic model funding rewilding national parks demonstrates innovative conservation financing. Private donors purchased lands specifically for donation to create protected areas. This approach accelerates conservation beyond government budgets alone while ensuring public ownership and management.
Tompkins Conservation pioneered this model throughout Chile and Argentina. Founders Douglas and Kristine Tompkins donated millions of hectares to create and expand national parks across Patagonia. Their legacy continues through Rewilding Chile and partner organizations.
The organization continues to work diligently to bring about park creation and ensure the territory receives the highest possible level of protection under national park designation. Rewilding national parks requires navigation of complex legal processes, environmental assessments, and stakeholder consultations.
Local communities near Cape Froward participate in the rewilding planning. Their knowledge of the territory and connection to the land inform management strategies. Community support proves essential for successful long-term conservation.
The Route of Parks connects Cape Froward National Park throughout the Chilean Patagonia. This 2,800-kilometer scenic route links 17 national parks from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn. The park will become a southern anchor point along this conservation corridor.
Tourism infrastructure development accompanies the rewilding project to support local economies. Visitor facilities, trails, and interpretive programs create jobs while sharing conservation values. Sustainable tourism generates ongoing support for protected area management.
The rewilding national parks model emphasizes ecosystem restoration alongside protection. Removing introduced species, restoring natural fire regimes, and reconnecting fragmented habitats help ecosystems recover full functionality. Wildlife populations rebound when habitats improve.
Climate change makes the rewilding of national parks increasingly important. Protected areas provide refugia where species can persist despite changing conditions. Large intact ecosystems show more resilience to climate impacts than fragmented landscapes.
The creation of national parks in southern Chile inspires similar efforts worldwide. The philanthropic land donation model can be replicated anywhere private lands hold conservation value. Success stories encourage other donors to invest in permanent protection.
Rewilding Chile works within a global conservation network that includes Rewilding Argentina and Tompkins Conservation. This collaboration shares expertise, coordinates across borders, and leverages resources. Transboundary cooperation strengthens rewilding national parks throughout Patagonia.
Cape Froward National Park will protect ecosystems at a scale necessary for long-term viability. Large protected areas support complete food webs, natural disturbance patterns, and genetic diversity. The rewilding of the national park prioritizes ecological integrity over isolated fragments.
