Paradise lost south of the world...?

Sadly, not just a mere philosophical pondering, but rather the harsh reality the people in the Comuna of Panguipulli are facing, after the power utility Endesa reprioritized its mega hydroelectric project in Neltume ahead of those in Aysen, further south in the Chilean Patagonia.

At issue is not the country's increasing need for energy but rather where it contemplates getting it from, says Dr. Vito Capraro of the Panguipulli Environmentalist Front (FAP by its Spanish acronym). Despite the region's known hydroelectric potential it does seem like an odd choice indeed!

The Chilean Lake District is no barren inhospitable wasteland, it is one of only five temperate rain forests left in the world, with a rich and vibrant endemic ecosystem. It is also home to the Mapuche and if completed this project will flood some native land in Neltume. This is also Chile's cottage country and those opposing the project argue it will negatively impact the future growth of the industry in the region.

"The approach the government is taking to encourage the development of this region is puzzling at best" says Dr. Capraro. "We need a long term sustainable source of economic development and a strategy that allows a larger part of society to participate is our best bet for the future, and tourism is a good example of that right now. Most of the benefits of the project in Neltume will be short lived and very disruptive to the environment, will require skilled labour not locally available and most of the work will only last until the construction is completed. Then what...?"

He has a point. The Chilean Government through its agencies and with the help of private initiatives has encouraged and promoted the development of the tourism industry in Panguipulli and the Seven Lakes Area while on the other hand giving Endesa Carte Blanche to seriously harm it. Odd isn't it?