Conservationist Kris Tompkins is on a mission to rewild the Earth.
- She co-founded Tompkins Conservation to protect vast lands
- The organization reintroduces species that were once extinct or endangered
- They focus their efforts in Chile and Argentina
Why should we care about rewilding? Read on to find out.
Tompkins’ Background
Tompkins made her fortune as the former CEO of the outdoor clothing company Patagonia. But she felt called to do something greater with her life.
In the 1990s, she and her husband, Doug Tompkins, began purchasing and protecting large swaths of land in South America. At first, they faced opposition from locals who didn’t understand their motives.
What is Rewilding?
For Tompkins, rewilding means:
- Acquiring enough land for nature to recover on its own
- Reintroducing species that were once native but disappeared
- Restoring grasslands, forests, and biodiversity
Her team works to rewild 24 different species across Chile and Argentina. Some, like the jaguar, had been locally extinct for nearly a century.
The Parks They’ve Created
Through donating protected lands to the governments, Tompkins Conservation has helped create 15 new national parks in the two countries so far. Combined, these cover over 15 million acres!
The parks include infrastructure like campgrounds, trails, and visitor centers. This allows people to experience and develop a connection with these rewilded spaces.
Overcoming Challenges
Managing millions of acres across international borders isn’t easy. Tompkins stresses the importance of working with local communities every step of the way.
“They are the geniuses of the place,” she says. “They will ultimately defend their park.”
Economic opportunities are created around the parks, benefiting those living nearby. This makes conservation sustainable long-term.
The Bigger Mission
Looking ahead, Tompkins Conservation aims to reconnect the entire southern cone of South America ecologically. Their audacious plan is to create wildlife corridors across national boundaries.
This would allow species like the jaguar to roam between protected areas across the continent. An incredible feat of rewilding if achieved.
How You Can Help
Tompkins encourages everyone to support local conservation groups in their own communities. Even the smallest efforts can lead to unexpectedly big impacts.
“Go out and be great, and fight like hell to protect what you love,” she urges.
Do you feel inspired to get involved in rewilding your local environment?