Chile plans cape froward national park

December 22, 2025

At the southern edge of South America—where dense subantarctic forests meet frozen oceans and ancient glaciers—Chile is moving forward with plans to establish a new national park dedicated to conserving rare wildlife and fragile ecosystems.

The proposed Cape Froward National Park would be located on the Brunswick Peninsula, overlooking the historic Strait of Magellan, and would cover approximately 150,000 hectares. The protected area would encompass native forests, peat bogs, glaciers, and extensive coastal zones, creating one of the most ecologically diverse conservation areas in the region.

According to Benjamín Cáceres, wildlife coordinator at Rewilding Chile, the peninsula represents a complex network of interconnected marine, coastal, and terrestrial habitats. He emphasized that careful regulation of industrial activity and tourism is essential to safeguard these sensitive environments. Despite their strength, these ecosystems rely on balance and play a critical role as sanctuaries for species facing extinction.

The conservation initiative is led by Rewilding Chile, a foundation established by the late environmental philanthropist Douglas Tompkins, founder of The North Face. In November, the organization transferred approximately 127,000 hectares of privately protected land to the Chilean government, contingent upon the official creation of the national park within a two-year timeframe.

Once established, the park would protect the southernmost continental population of the endangered huemul deer, a national symbol of Chile. Its surrounding waters also support a thriving marine ecosystem, serving as a feeding ground for whales, sea lions, and orcas, and sustaining a rich oceanic food web.

Project coordinator Gabriela Garrido stated that government officials expect to complete the legal decree in the coming months. The new park would become part of an 8-million-hectare Patagonian conservation corridor, joining existing protected areas such as Kawésqar National Park and Alberto de Agostini National Park.

Rewilding Chile’s director, Carolina Morgado, noted that the park is designed not only for environmental preservation but also for sustainable economic development. As the first national park within the municipality of Punta Arenas, it is expected to boost eco-tourism and create long-term opportunities for local communities.

Plans for Cape Froward National Park include well-designed hiking trails, visitor facilities, and designated camping areas, ensuring responsible tourism while maintaining the integrity of one of Chile’s most pristine natural landscapes.