New York, New York (PRWEB) April 16, 2015
Futaleufú Riverkeeper, a Chilean non-profit and member of the New York-based Waterkeeper Alliance, celebrates the launch of its campaign to permanently protect the threatened Futaleufú River, in Chile's Patagonia, with two New York City events.
On Thursday, April 16, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will present at The Explorers Club, the famed center for adventurers, scientists and conservationists. On Friday, April 17, the team from Chile will be at the Patagonia Meatpacking store from 12- 7 pm.
The Thursday event will feature Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President of Waterkeeper Alliance, Chilean Consul General Julio Fiol, whitewater pioneers Robert Currie Sr. and Eric Hertz, and other notable international supporters of conservation efforts in Patagonia.
“Communities all over Latin America are watching their rivers be destroyed by energy companies and mines and unchecked agricultural growth,” said Kennedy. “The fight to protect the Futaleufú watershed is emblematic of the larger struggle to defend these communities and promote sustainable development.”
The rushing and powerful Futaleufú River is one of Patagonia’s natural wonders and a center for first-class kayaking and adventure tourism. However, Chile’s mining sector is thirsty for energy, putting this river at risk for dam construction.
“This event marks a historic moment for protecting the Futaleufú,” said Robert Currie, founder and executive director of Futaleufú Riverkeeper.
"It shows how the international community is coming together to support the desires of the Chilean people who want to protect their natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations," said Currie.
This campaign will create the legal and political framework to permanently protect the Futaleufú River. And this will serve as a unique and unprecedented model for protection that could be applied to other threatened rivers in the region.
The Futaleufú River Valley’s 13,000 year-round inhabitants know what they want: a locally-powered economy that preserves their homes and gaucho culture. Please join us in celebrating this historical moment for conservation efforts in Patagonia.
Thursday, April 16, 6 – 9 p.m., Futaleufú Riverkeeper at The Explorer’s Club, 46 E. 70th St. By invitation only.
Friday, April 17, 12 - 7 p.m., Futaleufú Riverkeeper at Patagonia Meatpacking, 414 W. 14th Street
For media inquiries please contact: Tomás Dinges at (202) 930-1403, tdinges(AT)gmail.com, Skype: tomasdinges
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Futaleufú Riverkeeper is a Chilean nonprofit foundation and a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a global network based in the United States. Since 2012 FRK has worked to protect the Futaleufú and other unique and threatened Chilean rivers through legal aid, policy-making, and grassroots campaigns. Our work has been championed by International Rivers, National Geographic, Patagonia Inc. and other dedicated supporters around the world. To learn more: http://www.futaleufuriverkeeper.org
