We learned that the Patagonian temperate rain forest is one of only four in the world - New Zealand, British Columbia, Olympic Rain Forest - yet the Patagonian rain forest is by far the most diverse and the most threatened.For example, because there is so much rain and fresh water from the melting glaciers coming into the fjords of Patagonia, the first three meters of depth have a greater concentration of fresh water. This greater concentration of fresh water results in life forms that are unknown anywhere else in the world. Some of the pictures Fran took will give you an idea of the immensity of this land. Also, please remember we visited only one set of northern Patagonian fjords for just four days.
Yet, the pressure to develop Patagonia with dams and fish farming is relentless. If the dam projects, slated for Aysen, is allowed to go forward, it will mean roads and electrical lines spread across this unstable and thin layer of top soil that is sure to damage the unique life forms and diversity of life that is present in Patagonia now. You can go to http://www.globalresponse.org/ or http://patagonia-under-siege.blogspot.com/2007/11/chiles-anti-dam-horseback-protestors.html to learn more about the project and its effects on the human and flora and fauna of the region.
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