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First steps of Access PanAm

One of the Petzl Foundation’s commitments is to support projects which protect threatened natural environments around the world – environments which have been traditionally enjoyed freely by the nature-lovers.

 

In August 2009, at the Squamish Festival, British Columbia, a new organization was born: Access PanAm, whose main sponsor has been the Petzl Foundation. Its main mission is to keep climbing areas in Latin America open, while preserving the environment. Consisting of climbers from Latin America, United States and Spain, Access PanAm is organized in the same way as the Access Fund, well known for its work in the United States.

In fact, Access PanAm supports climber’s organizations throughout Latin America, and participates in the search for specific solutions. Its first campaign was therefore to save one of Latin America's most important rock climbing sites, Cochamo, in Chilean Patagonia.

Cochamo: a success story

Located near Puerto Montt, the Cochamo valley is a major granite site, often referred to as the "Chilean Yosemite". Its big wall area is recognized as the most attractive in the continent and its very compact granite walls (700 to 1000 m) are a delight for climbers. But the Cochamo site was threatened by the construction of a hydroelectric dam which would have spelt disaster from an ecological point of view. For climbers, that would have resulted in the destruction of climbing sites, or at least access to them.

 

Through the combined efforts of Access PanAm, Accesosur and Conservación Cochamó, a presidential decree protecting the Cochamó and Petrohué rivers (rivers that would have fed the hydroelectric dam), was signed in late 2009. The Cochamo site is now Area of Tourist Interest and Water Reserve. “This is a real breakthrough,” said Rodrigo Condeza, President Conservacion Cochamó, “but this is the first step in a larger project which aims to create a Protected Area. This Park would be open to everybody, Chileans and foreigners alike.”

 

To celebrate the protection of Cochamo, a Roc Trip was organised by local climbers in February 2010, bringing together climbers in the valley, repositioning climbing as one of the key tourist activities in the valley.
 
 
The Petzl Foundation is proud to honor this first victory and wishes every success for the future to Access PanAm! 
 
 
 
 
For more information:
www.cochamo.org