FAQs- Punta de Lobos Por Siempre:

Why is Punta de Lobos important?
Punta de Lobos is one of the most iconic left-hand pointbreaks in the world, and one of Chile’s best known waves. Characterized by a number of rideable sections, it is not uncommon for the sections to connect and 800m + rides to occur during large swells. It breaks in all conditions, from 1m to 10m and hosts the Big Wave World Tour contest when the swell is big enough.

In addition to the amazing surf, the place is part of a global biodiversity hotspot, boasting incredible marine and terrestrial resources. Upwelling from the Humboldt current brings cold nutrient-rich water to the area, which attracts a variety of species such as Southern Right Whales, Fin whales, Southern Sperm whales, Orcas, common sea lions, sea turtles, Humboldt and Magellanic penguins, oystercatchers, cormorants, gulls, pelicans and boobies.

Growing on the point itself are a number of unique plant species, including the cactus Echinopsis bolligeriana, which has been identified as an endangered endemic species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Along with the rich marine and terrestrial biodiversity, the place is also home to a small, artisan fishing community, who hand-harvest kelp, shellfish and local fish species.

What are the issues?
The coastal areas around Punta de Lobos are all privately owned and have seen rapidly increasing development. The current landowners are amenable to conservation, however the potential to block access to the surf and alter the unique environment is real if the place is not protected in the long term. Furthermore, the numbers of visitors are increasing, leading to degradation of coastal resources, increased trash and marine debris, and increased erosion. Last, traditional fisheries are being depleted, with small fishermen being put out of business by large conglomerate, commercial fishing operations.

How will my contribution protect Lobos?
100% of contributions go directly to support work on the ground at Punta de Lobos. Your contribution will help 1) create the Fundación Punta de Lobos and conservation easements for the long term conservation of the land; 2) create a set of marine protected areas to protect marine biodiversity and traditional fishing rights; 3) maintain ongoing stewardship of point; and 4) officially designate it as a World Surfing Reserve.

All contributions are tax deductible through Save The Waves Coalition, EIN# 36-4515216

What are the next steps?
There are two critical phases to preserve and protect this unique place.

The immediate steps in the first phase are to: 1) Create the Fundación Punta de Lobos and establish conservation easements for the long term conservation of the land; 2) create a set of marine protected areas to protect marine biodiversity and traditional fishing rights; 3) maintain ongoing stewardship of point; and 4) officially designate it as a World Surfing Reserve.

In the second phase of this campaign, Save The Waves along with the Fundación will be fundraising to acquire several of the key properties to put them under conservation easements in perpetuity. We need your help in both phases.

Who is Save The Waves?
Save The Waves Coalition is aSave The Waves Coalition is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the coastal environment, with a focus on the surf zone. Save The Waves Coalition takes a unique approach to protecting coastlines and surf though a combination of protected areas, economics, and direct action. Through our World Surfing Reserves program we protect amazing surf spots and coastlines around the world, by working on long-term conservation through outreach, planning and community capacity building.

For more information, visit: www.savethewaves.org

Who is the Comité por La Defensa de Punta de Lobos?
The Comité is a local group of activists who have led this effort from the beginning. Made up of conservationists, legal experts, local government officials, fishermen representatives, surfers, and passionate locals, the group was worked tirelessly with Save The Waves to

Ramón Navarro is one of the original Comité members.

What is a World Surfing Reserve?
A World Surfing Reserve is a protected area that proactively protects and preserves outstanding waves, surf zones and their surrounding environments around the world.

Currently, six World Surfing Reserves have been officially dedicated including Malibu in California, Ericeira in Portugal, Manly Beach in Australia, Santa Cruz in California, Huanchaco in Peru, and Bahía de Todos Santos in Baja, Mexico. Punta de Lobos will be the seventh.

Save The Waves Coalition, based in Davenport, California, oversees the World Surfing Reserve program globally. They rely on a WSR Vision Council, a global group of thought leaders from the surfing, environmental, scientific, media and business communities, to identify and approve each new World Surfing Reserve.

For more information visit: www.worldsurfingreserves.org

How do I receive my digital download of the Fisherman’s Son Soundtrack?
Save the Waves will be sending out stickers and download information at the end of May to all qualifying donors.

If you have any questions email us at: savethewaves@crowdrise.com

Links

Save The Waves Coalition is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the coastal environment, with a focus on the surf zone. Save The Waves Coalition takes a unique approach to protecting coastlines and surf though a combination of protected areas, economics, and direct action. Through our World Surfing Reserves program we protect amazing surf spots and coastlines around the world, by working on long-term conservation through outreach, planning and community capacity building. Our EIN# 36-4515216

For more information, visit: www.savethewaves.org

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El Comité por la Defensa de Punta de Lobos is a local Chilean association dedicated to the protection of Punta de Lobos and is made up of local activists, surfers, environmentalists, landowners, and local government representatives. Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Punta-de-Lobos-por-Siempre/725106580885259

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