The urgency of a development plan for Patagonia
With the Netflix documentary series “Our Great National Park”, narrated and produced by former US President Barack Obama, Patagonia has once again gained prominence as one of the four most spectacular national parks on earth. The subject has become so fashionable that now the special Patagonia: “Life on the Edge of the World” is coming on CNN, directed by Chilean actor Pedro Pascal.
What better time than now to reflect and ask ourselves, how can we ensure that in the next 20 years Patagonia will be a sustainable tourist destination that develops and, at the same time, maintains its character? Are we ready to move towards it?
From Puerto Montt to the south we talk about “Patagonia”, where barges, dirt roads, national parks, waterfalls, low population density, less development, rural life, poor cellular connection, scarce petrol pumps, accommodation and services of a lower standard than what we are used to from Puerto Montt to the north, among other things, begin. This territory, 50% of which is part of the National System of Protected Wildlife Areas, extends to Puerto Williams along more than 2,000 kms of sea coast and covers a territory of 250,000 kms2, with a population of 250,000 inhabitants, i.e. one of the lowest densities in the world.
We have a lot of work to do. Tourism in Patagonia generates approximately 500 million dollars in revenue, employs some 13,000 people (9% of employment) and represents approximately 12% of the regional GDP, considering its direct and indirect impact. It is an area that we must develop in a better and responsible way, as it is an economic engine with high potential for the country.
In recent months there has been a lot of talk about the plots of land in Aysén and Patagonia. In addition to being a destination whose attractiveness increased with the pandemic, given the need for people to seek refuge in the south and eventually live there, the lack of planning for growth in that area and problems with land subdivisions have come to light. There is an urgent need for a Rural Regulatory Plan that protects the development of the territory and preserves its culture and rural character. This will give impetus to the growth of Patagonia, but with a sustainable and responsible view, with a vision for the future. There are good examples in other countries, such as New Zealand and Southern Ireland, which are providing financial support for people to move from the cities to the countryside to generate development and economic activity. This can be planned and done well. Not with improvisation and lack of perspective.
We must draw up a development plan as a country and industry, which allows for responsible growth and evolution in the most extreme area of our country, with priceless nature. It is urgent that the State protects and plans this impulse, favoring concessions and financing relevant works, with a view to the future. Although 20 years may sound a long way off, reality shows that in order to achieve a sustainable tourist destination we must start working today. Time is against us.
