Travelers into more sustainable
travel are now able to play their part in restoring a key crossing point in
the 8th natural wonder of the world, Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean,
Patagonia.
The Las Guardas Bridge, located on one of the most popular
trails in Torres del Paine (the O Circuit) was damaged by serious winter
avalanches in earlier 2024, with the last serious avalanche happening in the
park back in 2008. Avalanches, however, have become more severe with the winter
season’s being more than the bridge could handle.
Now, Swoop Patagonia - a B-corp and Patagonia specialist -
has teamed up with ConservationVIP to help repair the bridge, with travelers playing
a critical role in its restoration. ConservationVIP has launched a crowdfunding
campaign to raise $30,000 to repair and reopen the celebrated crossing.
The bridge was a much-needed addition to the park and O
Circuit trail allowing travelers to safely and accessibly navigate their way
across the canyon to see some of Patagonia’s most iconic sights and scenery and
experience the fantastic hiking route.
Before its construction, hikers had to descend into a canyon
using ladders, which was becoming increasingly difficult due to erosion, and
growing more dangerous.
“It literally, and metaphorically, bridged a gap by making
it possible for travelers to better experience Torres del Paine and see the
Grey Glacier from one of the most exceptional vantage points. Once it was
built, local guides who led hikers on the Circuit stopped to thank
ConservationVIP for building it”, Harriet Pike, General Manager at Swoop
Patagonia, said in a statement.
Chris Braunlich of the company said, “Some of the most
spectacular public lands around the world simply do not have sufficient staff
or financial resources to perform needed repairs and maintenance to protect
their natural and cultural heritage resources. Donations help us to provide
invaluable volunteer services to these special destinations.”
Swoop Patagonia is taking action, too, having donated $1000 to ConservationVIP for the O Circuit’s restoration to the campaign,
bringing them closer to achieving their goal.
By donating $100 for every new booking they receive for
the O Circuit to ConservationVIPs campaign this season, Swoop Patagonia hopes
to get the bridge rebuilt as soon as possible. With sufficient funds, ConservationVIP
hopes the bridge can be built in six months.
For the time being, travelers are having to take alternative
routes that - while not dangerous - are significantly more difficult in
comparison to traversing the Bridge.
Pike added, “It’s becoming increasingly important that travelers
recognize the urgent need to help protect against the impacts of climate change
in travel destinations worldwide, and step in to support the world’s natural
wonders that are - more so than ever - in need of our help.
Donations can be
made until September 15, 2024.
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