Chile Conservation

Volunteers for International Partnership, 70 Landmark Hill, Ste. 204, Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA (+1-802-246-1154; www.partnershipvolunteers.org). This international organization connects volunteer programs across the world and is associated with several environmental projects in Chile, including CONAF, the Chilean government’s efforts to manage the national forests. Fees begin at US$2200 for 8-week programs. Intensive Spanish course and homestays are included and arranged. Travel and insurance must be arranged by the volunteer.

Patagonia Volunteer, c/ Carlos Solé 26, 5º C, Madrid, Spain 28038 (www.patagoniavolunteer.org). Spanning the Patagonia region from Argentina to Chile, this organization coordinates volunteer activities among and for the native and local communities of Patagonia, both directly working for environmental preservation and effecting social and political change to defend the ecological and social landscape of the region. Volunteer placement in one of several areas carries a €250 fee, and travel and other arrangements are the responsibility of the volunteer. Intermediate knowledge of Spanish is required.

El Canelo de Nos, Portales 3020 Casilla 380, San Bernardo (+56 2 857 1943; fax 857 1160; canelo@rdc.cl). An NGO founded in 1985, El Canelo de Nos works with environmental sustainability, social development, and poverty eradication.

Earthwatch, 3 Clocktower Pl., Ste. 100, Box 75, Maynard, MA 01754, USA (+1-800-776-0188 or 978-461-0081; www.earthwatch.org). Arranges 1- to 3-week programs all around the world, including Chile, to promote conservation of natural resources.

Save the Wild Chinchillas, Casilla 302, Illapel (www.wildchinchillas.org). This group sticks to its point—an entire nonprofit organization devoted to the chinchilla, a furry rodent that could face extinction within 25 years without positive intervention now.

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