Hello from Futaleufu!
On behalf of the Futaleufu Riverkeeper team, I hope you and your families are enjoying a great year. Many of you asked for more information on what’s going on down here, so this is the first in a series of three letters. I’ll be talking about the success stopping dams on the Futaleufu, how you can get involved this holiday season, and why our community needs you.
We’ve also posted a private video message from our Riverkeeper, Rocio Gonzalez. Here’s the link to view the private message Feel free to forward to friends or family you think might like to see it.
First, thank you so much for your continued support and interest! 2016 was an historic year for Patagonia’s threatened Futaleufu River. Thanks to your help, a 20-year fight to stop the dams ended when Endesa renounced its water rights to the river. News circulated around the world, even getting a shout-out from Leonardo DiCaprio.
So many people have been involved in the last 20 years. It's impossible to thank everyone in a letter (or three). But you know who you are! Our annual report in January will include a list of our supporters, including those of you who choose to make a matching gift this week.
This year, as you’re deciding which causes you and your family want to join, I ask you to please give to the river. From now until Sunday, December 4th, every dollar you give will be matched by our generous board and donors.* And for gifts of $200 or more, our friends at Patagon Journal will give you a one-year digital subscription. The latest issue, Rivers at Risk, has pieces from several Riverkeeper collaborators like Natalia Ibañez, a native of Futaleufu.
As Rocio says in her video, this has been a great year for our community, but we still have a lot to do. Now more than ever, your gift will help Futaleufu become a model village in Patagonia.
Part II of this Letter will look at key stats, people who went the extra mile in 2016, and why your gift will make a difference heading into 2017. Stay tuned tomorrow! In the meantime, I've included the major stories below in case you didn't see them before.
We hope you’ll continue to keep this beautiful watershed in your thoughts. We are fortunate to protect such a unique piece of the planet, and we look forward to continue defend our communities right to clean water.
Best,
Patrick J. Lynch, Esq.
International Director
Futaleufu Riverkeeper
*Matching is for all gifts up to $5,000 US. To qualify for a match, you must write Futaleufu when giving through Waterkeeper’s online donation form. Full instructions are on our Donation page. Thank you for your support this #GivingTuesday!