PROTECTING THE ELQUI VALLEY

As part of our mission to support water quality and ecosystem health, we joined forces with our River Heroes, the Canihuante Family in the Elqui Valley. This region has been their home for generations and is renowned for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, making the sanctuary an essential environmental asset.

Through their hard work and partnership with the Council of National Monuments through the State of Chile, they have successfully created The Elqui Valley Nature Sanctuary or Santuario de la Naturaleza Valle del Elqui. This is important as it protects the land from mining. Our donation helped make it possible to put in place tourism rules, hold educational workshops, and keep the sanctuary status. 

You can learn more about their mission in El Rio es Familia, our film showcasing the family, the valley and the beauty of Chile.

6 REASONS THE ELQUI VALLEY IS IMPORTANT

1. Biodiversity Conservation

The sanctuary plays a crucial role in conserving the unique biodiversity of the Elqui Valley and the surrounding Andean foothills. The region is home to a variety of endemic species, including rare plants and animals. These species are adapted to the specific climatic and ecological conditions of the valley, which includes a semi-arid climate, a mixture of Mediterranean vegetation, and high-altitude ecosystems.

The sanctuary provides a protected environment for wildlife that might otherwise be threatened by human development and resource exploitation.

2. Protecting Fragile Ecosystems

The valley is a delicate ecosystem with a mix of desert and mountainous landscapes. The protection of this area helps to maintain the ecological balance of this unique environment, which supports diverse ecosystems ranging from scrublands to high-altitude forests.

Efforts to preserve the Elqui Valley Nature Sanctuary help mitigate the negative impacts of activities such as mining, agriculture, and tourism, all of which can strain natural resources if not carefully managed.

3. Cultural Significance

The Elqui Valley has deep cultural and historical importance, especially for the indigenous populations, such as the Diaguita people. The sanctuary helps preserve not only the region's natural beauty but also its cultural heritage. Many areas within the valley are historically significant, containing archaeological sites and remnants of ancient indigenous civilizations.

The sanctuary also promotes sustainable cultural tourism, where visitors can experience the valley's traditional customs, crafts, and the stunning natural environment in a way that benefits both the local community and conservation efforts.

4. Astronomical and Scenic Importance

The Elqui Valley is known as one of the world's best locations for stargazing, due to its clear skies and minimal light pollution. Protecting the valley's natural landscapes ensures that these astronomical sites continue to thrive, as preserving dark skies is essential for astronomical research.

The sanctuary’s rugged landscapes, with their unique rock formations and views of the Andes Mountains, also make the region a highly valued destination for eco-tourism, hiking, and nature photography.

5. Water and Climate Regulation

Despite its semi-arid conditions, the Elqui Valley has a complex hydrological system fed by snowmelt from the Andes and seasonal rainfall. Protecting the valley's natural vegetation and watershed areas ensures that the local water resources are sustainably managed. This is critical for agriculture, especially for the region’s famous pisco production, as well as for the communities that rely on the valley’s water.

6. Promotion of Sustainable Development

The Elqui Valley Nature Sanctuary helps demonstrate how sustainable development and conservation can coexist. By promoting eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and environmental education, the sanctuary provides a model for how local communities can thrive while protecting their natural heritage.