Our Cause
Torres del Paine National Park, located in the extreme south of Chilean Patagonia, is world-renowned for its spectacular views, formidable mountain ranges, and unpredictable weather. Prior to the late 1800s, this hostile environment was solely inhabited by the native fauna of the region, including guanacos, pumas and condors, and the indigenous tribes that braved the harsh climate. These days however, a different resident is increasingly common.
The park now attracts over 250,000 visitors a year from every corner of the globe. This figure is expected to increase by 10% annually. Intensive use and overcrowding have placed a significant strain on the region’s unique flora and fauna, inadequate and aging infrastructure, and limited trail system. Three man-made fires, all started by tourists, have ravaged 1/5 of the park’s area since 1985. Waste and energy systems designed for a population of 20,000 in the park’s neighboring town of Puerto Natales are at capacity.
Public resources alone are simply insufficient to keep up with such rapidly increasing visitation. That’s where the Torres del Paine Legacy Fund comes in, and why your help is needed to protect this iconic yet fragile destination. We see tourism growth as an opportunity to create positive impact. Through locally led sustainability initiatives, the Legacy Fund enables travelers, residents, and businesses to become a positive economic and ecological force in the region.
We welcome you to join us in this mission. 100% of all donations go directly to sustainability initiatives that preserve, support, and celebrate the park and its surrounding communities. You too can help protect this world treasure for future generations.
Our Vision
An Ultima Esperanza where partnership generates a responsible tourism that protects the region’s world renowned natural and cultural heritage.
Our Team
Emily Green, Programs Director
Emily leads development and project implementation for the Legacy Fund, guiding investments that preserve and celebrate this spectacular destination. She has extensive experience with protected area tourism and international development programs, spending the previous ten years working with communities, NGOs, governments and businesses to enhance the economic and environmental vitality of rural areas in Latin America and Southeast Asia.
Emily previously served as a senior advisor with Legacy Fund’s parent organization Sustainable Travel International and Programs Director for Green Empowerment, an NGO dedicated to expanding access to renewable energy and potable water. She holds a BA from Pomona College in international relations and an MA in international policy studies from Stanford University, where she was also a researcher at the Center for Democracy, Development and Rule of Law.
Emily loves fly-fishing, hiking, and camping with her family and two dogs, Wilson and Kenny. When not off exploring Patagonia’s rivers and mountains, she is most likely watching her beloved hometown sports teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers or Penguins.
Job Openings
Emily Green, Programs Director
Emily leads development and project implementation for the Legacy Fund, guiding investments that preserve and celebrate this spectacular destination. She has extensive experience with protected area tourism and international development programs, spending the previous ten years working with communities, NGOs, governments and businesses to enhance the economic and environmental vitality of rural areas in Latin America and Southeast Asia.
Emily previously served as a senior advisor with Legacy Fund’s parent organization Sustainable Travel International and Programs Director for Green Empowerment, an NGO dedicated to expanding access to renewable energy and potable water. She holds a BA from Pomona College in international relations and an MA in international policy studies from Stanford University, where she was also a researcher at the Center for Democracy, Development and Rule of Law.
Emily loves fly-fishing, hiking, and camping with her family and two dogs, Wilson and Kenny. When not off exploring Patagonia’s rivers and mountains, she is most likely watching her beloved hometown sports teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers or Penguins.
There are currently no job openings.
