Juan Fernández

We work together with the local community to conserve native ecosystems with hundreds of endemic and threatened species of this Chilean island territory.

History

Juan Fernández has been identified as a global biodiversity hotspot based on the high percentage of endemic species, both on land and in the waters of the archipelago. However, the archipelago’s ecosystems are under pressure from multiple threats, including habitat degradation and loss and the impacts of invasive alien species.

Context

Since 2000, we have worked together with the local community on research and monitoring of threatened species and on conservation and habitat restoration activities to prevent the extinction of such emblematic species as the Juan Fernández Firecrown, the Masafuera Rayadito and the six species of seabirds that breed on the islands.

Vision

The restoration of the archipelago’s terrestrial ecosystems is one of our highest priorities for these Chilean islands. Through the control of invasive plants and animals and the restoration of native plant communities, we will be able to recover critical habitat not only for endemic birds but also for the local community. Community-based environmental education, responsible pet ownership, intentional collaborations and opportunities for active community participation are cross-cutting areas in all of our programs in the archipelago.