Environmental pressures are building in Chilean Patagonia, the vast expanse of rivers, lakes, mountains and forests that constitutes one of South America’s—and the world’s—most pristine regions. Beyond global warming, which is melting Patagonian glaciers, an array of development forces are at work in the region. Salmon farms multiply along the Pacific coast. New roads connect Chile’s fast-growing economy to the region’s natural resources. Gold mines are planned along the snow-capped Andes. And a network of large hydroelectric dams is proposed for thus-far untamed Patagonian rivers. As development efforts have multiplied, so have conservation campaigns by green groups, local residents, tourism businesses and politicians. Local officials have approved a regional land-use plan that, if endorsed by national authorities, would bolster... [Log in to read more]