The Valdivian Coastal Reserve is a large protected area which had previously been owned by a forestry company until the Nature conservancy was able to purchase it and begin managing it in collaboration with local communities.

Nature-based Intervention:

This project began in 2003 when the Nature Conservancy was able to purchase the forest area in a commercial auction from a forestry company which had gone bankrupt. In 2005 they formalized the 150,000 acres of land into the Valdivian Coastal Reserve. In collaboration with the Chilean government they then donated 25,500 acres of native forest which had previously been in the Valdivian Coastal Reserve in order to create the adjoining Alerce Coastal National Park. The reserve also works with local fisherman and indigenous communities to support traditional land uses and sustainable economic development. The project is also working to restore a 8,400 acre section of non-native eucalyptus trees with native plant species.

Overview of context and outcomes:

The Valdivian Coastal Reserve includes large sections of old growth temperate forest including Alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides) trees which are 2,500 years old. This area is also a key biodiversity hotspot with over 50% of the world’s temperate rainforests having already been destroyed. The reserve is now a tourist destination which receives many summertime visitors wishing to explore the landscape.