PumalÃn Park
The Pumalín Park ( Spanish: Parque Pumalín ) is a conservation project of the U.S. millionaire Douglas Tompkins. It is located in the south of Chile, between Hornopirén and Chaitén. With an area of about 290,000 hectares now Pumalín is the country's largest private park. Thus, the park is as big as the Saarland and Hamburg.
The park was established to protect the so-called temperate rainforest. It includes the last large contiguous forest area of Chile. In addition, Tompkins bought this areas that were deforested by cattle breeders and the timber industry. Each year, planted 300,000 native trees and other plants in Pumalín Park. So you try to restore the original nature.
The Pumalín Park is not only a nature reserve, but also an employer for the local population. So the women of the environment knit clothing. For this, they use wool from sheep that are kept in the park. Even fruits and vegetables are organically grown and sold nationwide.
In August 2006, the Chilean government declared the area as a protected area.
Because of the eruptions of the Chaitén volcano located near the park was temporarily closed. Since mid-December 2010, he has re-opened.
Criticism
The fishing industry feels restricted in their old rights from the park and is fighting in court against an extension.
In the fjords on the coast of the park many salmon farms were built. They contaminate food with their artificial breeding, the excretions of animals and the use of medication waters.