The Tompkins Model: Rewilding a Continent

The Tompkins Conservation project, born from a love story between Doug and Kris Tompkins, represents a monumental effort in continental rewilding. Their journey, from pioneering figures in the outdoor apparel industry to dedicated conservationists, is a testament to a profound commitment to preserving nature on an unprecedented scale.

Leaving behind successful careers, the couple settled in southern Chile in 1991, embarking on a mission to create national parks. Their model of public-private partnership, where private land is donated to form national parks in conjunction with public lands, has been remarkably successful. In Chile, this initiative led to the creation or expansion of seven national parks. This innovative approach demonstrates a powerful way to leverage private philanthropy for public good, creating protected areas that benefit both biodiversity and national heritage.

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This is exactly the public-private partnership model that Douglas and Kristine Tompkins adopted in Argentina starting in 1997.

In Argentina, the Tompkins continued this work, focusing on the vast Iberá wetlands. Recognizing the ecological degradation, they began acquiring land, eventually contributing to the establishment of Iberá National Park. Doug Tompkins's untimely death did not halt this vision; Kris Tompkins and the Rewilding Argentina NGO continue to champion the cause, ensuring that the dream of a rewilded continent, teeming with life, endures. This legacy is not just about land conservation; it's about a holistic vision for a healthier planet, driven by passion and a deep respect for the natural world.

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What struck them was that there were no animals, and particularly no more jaguars or giant anteaters, even though there are in Brazil (in the Pantanal, the region's other large wetland area).