Río Rubens Conservancy Foundation: the conservation backbone behind Life in Patagonia

At Life in Patagonia, we believe that territories thrive when there is a clear vision that integrates conservation, rural life, and sustainable tourism. But for that vision to endure, it is necessary to have an independent institution focused on protecting ecosystems beyond the decisions of individual landowners.

That institution is the Rubens River Conservancy Foundation .

1. What is the Rubens River Conservancy Foundation?

The Rubens River Conservancy Foundation is a non-profit organization created to protect, study and manage the ecosystems of Patagonia , with a special focus on watersheds, peatlands, forests and the biodiversity associated with these territories.

Although its primary area of focus is the Rubens River basin, the foundation was conceived with the possibility of addressing other territories in the future and thus developing conservation models applied to different territories of Magallanes, contributing to their sustainable management.

2. Its founders and the vision that unites them

The foundation was created by Mauricio Kusanovic , along with his father and businessman Claudio Hotz , who make up its initial board of directors. All of them have a history connected to agriculture, tourism, and land management in Patagonia.

Behind the foundation lies a deep passion for fly fishing . This connection with the rivers and wildlife of Patagonia led them to reflect on the importance of developing activities such as fishing, rural tourism, and outdoor recreation sustainably , taking care of water quality, habitats, and the experience of those who enjoy these territories.

Flyfishing in Rubens River

Additionally, the Kusanovic family has been working for over twenty years on models where tourism and conservation mutually reinforce each other , especially through their experience at Las Torres Reserve and Las Torres Conservancy . This has led to the understanding that conservation requires solid, stable, and technically sound structures capable of operating for decades, not just for isolated projects.

That personal motivation, combined with decades of experience in land management, conservation and tourism in the region, shaped a shared conviction: the best way to protect the places we love is to actively manage them, with science, clear rules and long-term commitment.

3. Why was the foundation created?

The Rubens River Conservancy Foundation was created for three fundamental reasons:

1. To protect sensitive ecosystems in Patagonia through an institution permanently dedicated to this purpose.

   
   

2. To support landowners in developing tourism, residential and livestock farming to ensure that it occurs in balance with nature.

   
   

3. To give confidence to owners and investors , ensuring that conservation commitments are met over time.

Caballito de Monte

4. The role of the foundation in Life in Patagonia

In projects such as Bosque Río Rubens and Bosque Negro , the foundation fulfills an essential function: as the holder of the Real Conservation Rights (DRC) of the projects, it supervises compliance with environmental, construction and land management rules.

This ensures that:

• The landscape, the forests, the river and the biodiversity are protected beyond changes in ownership.

• Day-to-day decisions have a clear and technical framework.

• The community of owners lives together under a common standard.

• The ecological and scenic value of the project will be maintained and improved over time.

  
  

For those wishing to acquire land, this translates into environmental, legal and community security .

5. Lines of action of the foundation

• Conservation of watersheds and ecosystems: Special focus on the Rubens River, a system fed by peatlands that require permanent monitoring and management.

  
  

• Applied scientific research: In partnership with organizations such as School for Field Studies (SFS) and Science on the Fly , which develop studies on water quality, biodiversity and ecological functioning.

  
  

• Long-term conservation management: DRC administration, project review, support for owners, and updating the Management Plan when appropriate.

  
  

• Promotion of responsible practices: Education and dissemination to encourage proper use of the territory, from fly fishing to tourism and rural life.

  
  

• Ecological restoration : Reforestation, soil recovery and management of sensitive areas to improve ecosystem health.

  
  

• Environmental education: Activities and content aimed at helping owners, visitors and the community better understand the territory, its ecosystems and the practices necessary to care for it responsibly.

Students from School for Field Studies (SFS) are studying peat bogs.

Water samples for Science on the Fly ,

6. Why is this important for future homeowners?

Because it guarantees that the project where they will live or invest will remain orderly, healthy, and consistent with the landscape.

The foundation:

• Protect the nature of the territory.

• Avoid constructions and uses that damage the ecosystem or affect the community.

• Ensure that all owners comply with the same rules.

• It maintains the environmental and heritage value of the project.

  
  

Simply put: the foundation is the guarantee that Life in Patagonia's vision remains intact over time.

A conservation model that looks to the future

The Rubens River Conservancy Foundation is not an add-on: it is the heart of projects that seek to integrate rural life, tourism, recreation, and nature. It is the entity that will allow these territories to remain what they are today… and even better.