Photo above is credited to Chris Stenger
Chile, with its diverse landscapes, from the soaring Andes to the windswept Patagonian plains, is a treasure trove of biodiversity. However, human activity has disrupted these delicate ecosystems. The movement to restore balance to damaged ecosystems, known as rewilding, is gaining momentum around the world, and at the forefront of this movement are a growing number of strong female leaders. One such leader is Kris Tompkins, a passionate conservationist whose work in Chile offers valuable insights into the power of women in environmental protection.
Kris Tompkins, alongside her late husband Douglas Tompkins, has been a driving force behind the rewilding of vast swathes of Patagonia in Chile. Fundación Rewilding Chile, previously known as Tompkins Conservation Chile, has protected millions of acres of land and marine ecosystems, creating a network of national parks and restoring native species under the legacy of Kris and Douglas.
The women behind Rewilding Chile’s team are not just protecting existing wildlife; they are actively reintroducing missing species, restoring habitats, and creating a more complete and resilient ecosystem. They are leading initiatives to bring back the guanaco, a wild relative of the llama, to its former range, helping to disperse seeds and revitalise the grasslands. They are spearheading reforestation projects, restoring native trees and creating vital corridors for wildlife movement. They’re also champions of the Chilean matorral, a unique thorn scrub ecosystem, working tirelessly to protect this threatened habitat and its diverse inhabitants.
The success of rewilding initiatives goes beyond scientific expertise. Effective leadership requires collaboration and community engagement. Women like Kris Tompkins understand the importance of working with local communities to ensure that conservation efforts are sustainable and benefit everyone involved. The women behind the project are not just scientists and ecologists; they are educators, community organisers, and advocates, but also they are mothers, friends and sisters. Everyone has a place in rewilding, and women offer a valuable perspective that benefits both people and nature.
This article is written by Kim Bridgeman
Journeys With Purpose offers transformative travel experiences that empower women and connect travelers with inspiring conservation projects. By supporting women-led initiatives like those in Chile, we can directly contribute to the success of rewilding efforts and inspire a new generation of female conservation leaders. If you want to immerse yourself in projects like these but don’t know where to start, reach out to connect@journeyswithpurpose.org today to start planning your next impact travel adventure.