The Williche Alto Fundo de Gamboa Mapuche community seeks to establish an intercultural park in the heart of Chiloé Island that will serve as a sanctuary for socio-ecological regeneration, critical for both environmental conservation and cultural preservation. Located in the ecologically sensitive Piuchén mountain range, the project aims to protect vital water reserves, unique peatland ecosystems, and the rich cultural heritage of the Mapuche-Williche-Chono peoples who face unprecedented environmental and cultural threats stemming from infrastructure development.

 

The proposed intercultural park is a comprehensive initiative designed to address multiple interconnected challenges. By creating an educational farm, traditional gathering spaces, and restoration areas, the project will actively work to revive ancestral knowledge, preserve the endangered Willichedungun language, and establish sustainable land management practices. Central to the project's mission is the intergenerational transmission of traditional practices, including ceremonial traditions such as palin, trafkintu, and ngillatun, which are essential to maintaining the community's cultural identity.

 

The project, which is strategically positioned to resist extractivist economic models, brings together a diverse coalition of Indigenous communities, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and youth groups. The initiative directly challenges current threats from energy infrastructure projects, including wind turbine developments and power transmission lines that threaten the ecological integrity of the region. By focusing on community-led conservation, the project seeks to create a replicable model of Indigenous-driven environmental and cultural protection that aligns with international frameworks such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and ILO Convention 169.

 

The overall vision is to develop a comprehensive intercultural park that will serve as a transformative community resource, with initial infrastructure focused on the establishment of an educational farm that will act as a foundational element of the larger project. The project's immediate objectives include the construction of key facilities, such as a traditional chicken coop, and the implementation of a drip irrigation system, which will not only provide practical farming skills but also create a sustainable and educational environment for community engagement and cultural exchange. Beyond physical infrastructure, the initiative aims to document and revitalize cultural practices, protect biodiversity, and empower the community through sustainable development. By preserving both the natural environment and cultural traditions, the Mapuche Williche community is creating a holistic approach to addressing the interconnected challenges of ecological conservation, cultural survival, and community resilience.