Fundación Patagonia Sur believes that the growth of Chilean Patagonia’s towns and economy should be developed in a way that is sustainable and based on the area’s strong potential for tourism.

Fundación Patagonia Sur is supporting the planning process of the Palena Province by facilitating dialogues among local actors and government officials and by sharing and suggesting models for sustainable development.

In January 2009, Fundación Patagonia Sur and the Palena Municipality organized a meeting between local authorities and international conservation experts to discuss the sustainable growth of Palena as well as the development of the area as a major tourist destination.  Since then, the foundation has been in dialogue with the municipality regarding such topics as the town’s waste management plan, landscaping, and airport access. 

The foundation has put the Palena Municipality in contact with the Catholic University School of Architecture and Planning and is actively supporting their collaboration in developing urban planning documents that would orient and prepare the city for sustainable growth in the future.