A huge success for the Somuncurá Plateau In May 2025, Federico Kacoliris, project leader of Fundación Somuncurá, won the prestigious Whitley Award – a global recognition of his team’s pioneering work to protect the fragile Somuncurá Plateau in Argentinian Patagonia. Dubbed the ‘Green Oscars’, the award drew particular attention to the following achievements: Acquiring 20,000 hectares (49,421 acres) towards setting up the region’s first Nature Reserve, putting the Somuncurá Plateau, a historically overlooked area, on the conservation map. At World Land Trust (WLT), we are thrilled that our Buy an Acre supporters have played a crucial role in this by funding Federico’s work with Fundación Somuncurá, through our mutual partnership with Fundación Hábitat y Desarrollo (FH&D). Overseeing a 15% increase in the population of the Critically Endangered El Rincon Stream Frog (Pleurodema somuncurense) and a recovery of the Critically Endangered Naked Characin (Gymnocharacinus bergii). The only known habitat of these two species is a single stream on the plateau, the Valcheta Stream. Reducing predation from invasive species like the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Uruguay Tetra (Cheirodon interruptus) through the creation of fish barriers. Working closely with local communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict by giving local farmers livestock guardian dogs. These dogs protect the farmers’ sheep from Puma (Puma concolor) and Andean Foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus), thereby reducing retaliatory killing of these charismatic species. By understanding the needs of the local communities, Federico Kacoliris and the Fundación Somuncura team have created a win-win for both local communities and conservation.
The dedication of Federico and his team is helping to secure the future of the El Rincon Stream Frog (Pleurodema somuncurense) and the wider biodiversity of the plateau. Credit: Fundación Somuncurá
One of the many livestock guardian dogs delivered to local farmers as part of Fundación Somuncurá innovative community conservation programme. Credit: Fundación Somuncurá
A shared success At WLT, we are thrilled to see Fundación Somuncurá’s vital work recognised on the international stage. This win is not just a celebration of one organisation’s success – it is a testament to the power of long-term dedication, community support, and the belief that conservation must be inclusive and locally led. We would like to say thank you to all our supporters. This award is a shared achievement, made possible by your ongoing commitment to protecting threatened places and the people working tirelessly to defend them. Together, we are helping to ensure that Patagonia’s extraordinary habitats – and the species who call it home – continue to thrive for generations to come. If you have been inspired by this article, you can click here to support our work. Thank you.
