Dear Reader,
I am so happy to bring you good news! This month Endesa finally gave up trying to dam the Futaleufu, after more than 20 years. This is tremendous news for our community and river lovers all over the world.
A lot of important people joined us in sharing the good news. Outside Magazine told the world why the fight is far from over. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President of Waterkeeper Alliance (pictured with me to the left), penned a powerful piece about dams and democracy. Chilean actress and activist Juanita Ringeling (see below) congratulated our community and called for a change to the paradigm. Her viral video reached tens of thousands of people here in Chile.
Then last week, Leonardo DiCaprio, known all over the planet for his environmental work and beloved in my home country, told the world he was inspired by all the activists in Chile who fought for 20 years to protect the Futa. This is truly a historic movement for my country, and for people like you who love this river!
But we're not over yet! Now is the time to join forces and roll out a plan that makes sure this river doesn't get claimed by another company. And you can help.
With your help, we can take two very important steps over the next year: 1) try to obtain the water rights for conservation purposes before another energy company gets them, and 2) petition the government to declare the Futaleufu a Reserva de Agua. I have already met with the Governor of the Province and the current Mayor of Futaleufu to unveil our plans and ask for their support. We are working around the clock to talk to neighbors and ask for them to participate over the radio. I also gave several interviews in Chile, which you can read by visiting our website.
I would also like to ask you for your support. We have a plan but we need financial support to make it happen, both to do the legal work and to sustain the campaign over the next year. I hope you will consider joining the celebration by making a donation today. We are a very small organization, so every dollar helps.
Now more than ever, you can help get the Futaleufu River back into the hands of the public, where it should have been all along.
Thank you so much!
Abrazos,
Rocio Gonzalez Saldivia
Executive Director
Futaleufú Riverkeeper
September 20, 2016
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