Paulo Urrutia

Paulo envisions a society where environmental conservation is woven into the cultural and social fabric of communities, using watersheds as a unifying framework. He addresses the growing disconnect from nature and the inefficiencies of fragmented activism by redefining geographic and social organization—shifting the focus from municipalities to watersheds. His ludic approach to tackling the world’s major problem, the water crisis, creates a common playground for decision makers and users of the watershed, fostering a collective identity and responsibility for river ecosystems, challenging the perception that environmental issues exist separately from human activity.

Bestias del Sur Salvaje (Bestias for short), the organization Paulo leads, introduces a groundbreaking strategy that seamlessly blends sports, cultural activities, lobbying, and community engagement to forge a strong network of local watershed communities.
Rather than adhering to conventional municipal boundaries, Paulo reimagines geographical organization by framing communities within watersheds. By bringing together diverse social actors around the rivers, and integrating an innovative community engagement methodology, he is paving the way for more effective environmental and political action. Paulo and Bestias' long-term vision is to foster, strengthen, and inspire the most powerful collaborative watershed network in Chile and beyond in the face of climate change and water scarcity, currently and in the future.

At the heart of his approach is the activation of key stakeholders along the river. Their flagship project, Somos Cuenca (We Are Watershed), leverages the natural affinity people have for sports like kayaking to foster a deeper connection with their local rivers. For example, he ensures to engage individuals with influence over watershed protection in this kind of activities—many of whom, ironically, have never truly "been in the same boat," a fundamental element in his methodology in a country still marked by strong hierarchical power structures that reinforce the “us” and “them”. This playful and inclusive approach makes environmental activism accessible and engaging, encouraging diverse stakeholders—from local residents to businesses, policy makers, and educational institutions—to collaborate. These interactions then evolve into rich dialogues with local communities about safeguarding the river.

The encounters that take place thanks to Somos Cuenca have resulted in the creation of the national Protected Rivers Coalition, the declaration of Senators, Governor and Mayors for the Protection of the Rivers of the Palena Province, the Declaration for the Rights of Biobío river, the celebratory milestone for the declaration of Valdivia as a Wetland City, the parliamentary motion for a Protected Rivers Law, among others.

Paulo's methodology, FASI (Fortalecer - Strengthen, Articular - Articulate, Sensibilizar – Make aware, Inspirar - Inspire) strengthens community action, builds political agendas, and inspires systemic change. His organization, Bestias del Sur Salvaje, provides essential coordination and financial support to sustain changemaking efforts. By organizing festivals and events that draw large audiences, he creates a 'win-win' scenario where communities gain economic and social benefits while simultaneously advocating for river protection. This approach not only revitalizes local ecosystems but also empowers communities to autonomously continue their advocacy efforts, contributing to significant social change and systemic transformation.

Rivers are vital ecosystems that provide residents, industries, and agriculture with water, support a rich diversity of species, and serve as key connectors within the landscape. Rivers serve as the visible expression of the intricate water dynamics within watersheds. As such, they act as vital "bioindicators," signaling when human activities disrupt the delicate balance of these ecosystems.

The historical and cultural significance of rivers is profound, as they have shaped communities and civilizations over time. However, human interventions, such as industrial and agricultural exploitation, have severely impacted these ecosystems, affecting both human and non-human communities. The degradation of these natural resources is not just an environmental issue but also a social one, as it disrupts the cultural and spiritual connections people have with their environment and communities. The lack of coordinated efforts and the fragmentation and polarization of environmental protection initiatives further complicate the situation, making it difficult for communities to effectively advocate for the conservation and restoration of the ecosystems they are part of. The lack of adequate representation of these diverse voices perpetuates the lack of protection of rivers (only 1 % is protected), underscoring the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to water regulation in Chile as the human right to water is a fundamental precondition for people to be able to access all other rights.

Chile, once considered a country with abundant water resources, now faces significant challenges related to water scarcity and ecological degradation. The nation ranks 16th globally regarding water stress risk within countries with an extremely high-water stress rate of >80% and with a third of its municipalities under a state of water scarcity.

This situation is exacerbated by the lack of legislative protection for its 1,251 rivers across 101 watersheds. Chile faces significant challenges in fostering collaboration for effective and sustainable watershed management, according to the results of a recent study which found that more than half of the causes of the water scarcity in Chile, are due to poor water management and governance (44%), to the increase in water demand (17%), and to water pollution (14%). There are significant shortcomings in the regulatory framework for water management, such as the overestimation of water availability in watersheds under changing climate conditions, the over-allocation of water rights, and a lack of agreement, authority, and coordination among the various actors responsible for managing water, among others. This has led to overexploitation of water resources and a fragmented assessment of the potential impacts of industrial projects throughout a watershed. Since 1980, Chile has fully privatized its water resources, clearly prioritizing extractive industries over the basic rights of communities. Despite a recent reform, water theft remains institutionalized, leaving affected communities desperate—often resorting to roadblocks, the seizure of wells, and the destruction of drains in protest. Activists face frequent lawsuits and death threats, and since 2017, have been officially under the protection of Amnesty International.

In 2018, legislation was introduced to provide legal certainty and perpetual rights to private water owners, further entrenching privatization by establishing water auctions. Currently, 38 rivers across Chile are being auctioned, with the state selling off the flow, measured in litres per second, rather than the water itself.

While this process continues in regions where some water still flows, vast areas are in crisis. Approximately 67% of the Chilean population—about 12 million people—live in zones declared official water emergency areas. Aside from some rainfall in 2024, the country remains gripped by a 15-year megadrought that has left more than half of Chile in a state of water emergency.

This issue also dramatically affects the 1.3 million people in Chile's regions of Los Lagos, Los Ríos, and Aysén, who live under conditions of water scarcity, despite the region's abundance of rivers. The degradation of rivers has significant economic implications, particularly for communities that depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods. The loss of biodiversity and the decline in water quality can affect industries such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism, leading to economic instability and reduced opportunities for local communities. It is estimated that for this reason, the government must supply drinking water by tanker to at least 400,000 people throughout the country. The projection is dramatic as well, since Santiago, the capital of Chile, is one of the cities that will likely exceed a 50% decline in freshwater availability by 2050.

Additionally, Chile is particularly prone to droughts, with increasing stress on its water supply due to rising demand, privatized water rights, and changing precipitation patterns. A recent study on the socio-economic impact of droughts in Chile showed that droughts tend to increase the time required to collect water and associated activities, which are typically carried out by women. In the south of Chile, for example, indigenous women perceive a 5% decline in their income due to droughts. The current mega-drought has lasted for over a decade, with a 30% precipitation deficit affecting regions from Coquimbo to Araucanía.

For Paulo, a society aware of the value of watersheds and their water dynamics is capable of sustainably managing this vital element and mitigating the risks that threaten its survival. He mobilizes his theory of change through a comprehensive strategy that brings together societal actors around their watersheds.

Paulo and the team of Bestias employ a collaborative mapping strategy to identify key stakeholders and environmental issues within each watershed. This process starts with identifying and contacting actors with a vested interest in protecting the river for any reason, from an advocacy to a subsistence perspective. Local businesses, schools, and environmental organizations that carry out conservation projects are the main ones. Even if they have been working to protect the river, directly or indirectly as they may rely on them for their non-extractive business needs, they have worked in silos and have not connected before. The mapping exercise is a direct impact activity that informs communities to understand their environment better and identify areas for collective intervention.

The consolidation of each river community is built using Paulo’s methodology called FASI (Fortalecer - Strengthen, Articular - Articulate, Sensibilizar – Make aware, Inspirar - Inspire). From the initial mapping, Paulo and Bestias strategically select 3-4 “host organizations” to work on a political agenda and push for a collective river protection legislation. This smaller river community has representative organizations committed to preserving the river, and they gather to discuss their current projects in the light of how they understand the main causes of the river’s problems. The methodology begins by strengthening participants' connection to their ecosystem through immersive group activities in nature, such as trekking and discussions. This creates a baseline from which socio-environmental organizations can align and build on each other’s projects. These experiences help them articulate diverse perspectives on river-related issues, recognizing themselves as part of the ecosystem. To make aware, Bestias co-produces documentaries and articles that spotlight the realities of river communities and the vital role of fluvial ecosystems. Finally, to inspire long-term cultural change, the approach encourages residents to value their rivers, explore conservation solutions, and shift from protest to collaborative action.

Somos Cuenca: creando puentes para la colaboración (We are watershed: building bridges for collaboration) is Bestias’ flagship program, designed to strengthen watershed governance through citizen-led collaboration. The initiative identifies and connects local actors already engaged in river conservation, enabling them to scale their efforts and share responsibility for the watershed governance. By fostering networks among residents and organizations, Somos Cuenca promotes collective action and long-term stewardship of river ecosystems.

The program has been implemented in two major Chilean watersheds—Maipo and Biobío. Its pilot, Somos Cuenca: Habitantes del Maipo (We are watershed: Inhabitants of Maipo), launched in 2020 with support from Patagonia, focused on the Maipo River, which supplies water to nearly half of Chile’s urban population. The initiative combined a nine-week online training with a seven-day field immersion, allowing participants to explore the river. Participants gathered at the mouth of the Maipo watershed and traveled through its rivers. Along the way, they collected information shared by host organizations in each area and mapped conservation efforts and challenges. This hands-on approach deepened ecological understanding and built a foundation for collaborative, basin-wide action.

Many Bestias team members are river sports enthusiasts, so the program integrated outdoor activities like rafting and birdwatching, along with conversations with national conservation leaders. They discovered that playful, immersive activities helped participants forge stronger connections with the ecosystems they inhabit, while also facilitating alliances between local communities and socio-environmental movements dedicated to the protection and restoration of rivers, forests, seas, and mountains.

In 2021, Bestias launched Somos Cuenca: Habitantes del Biobío (We are watershed: Inhabitants of Biobío), centered on Chile’s second-largest watershed. The program brought together 80 organizations and 200 participants—impacting over 5,250 people—to address the Biobío River’s conservation challenges, including hydroelectric impacts on Mapuche communities and ecosystems. Through river-based experiences and knowledge exchange, participants (grassroots environmental organizations, activists, academic institutions, and people living around the river) developed a shared understanding of the watershed’s fragility and the need for community-led stewardship. Funded by NGO Lepe, the initiative reinforced Bestias’ unique approach to activism—blending ecological awareness with collective action.

The design of watershed-based sports and cultural festivals draws on the intrinsic value of shared experiences to cultivate a strong communal identity centered around rivers. These events not only celebrate local culture and nature but also transform participants into environmental advocates.

Bestias has championed Los Festivales de los Ríos (River Festivals), which highlight the importance of key river systems in Chile while promoting responsible local tourism through “whitewater sports” such as kayaking and rafting. Among their initiatives are Bio Bio Vive, Somos Cuenca Festival, Maipo Río Abajo, and Futaleufú Río Abajo. These festivals are intentionally rooted in the history—and projected futures—of the rivers they celebrate.

For instance, Bio Bio Vive offered a platform to discuss the socio-environmental impacts of the three hydroelectric plants—Ralco, Pangue, and Angostura—built on the Biobío River. Despite strong opposition from the Pehuenche people and the Chileans, the projects proceeded amid significant irregularities, resulting in the destruction of Pehuenche cultural heritage and the degradation of the river’s ecosystem. Through a blend of reflection and sports-based activities, the festival helped communities understand what they have lost—and what must be protected moving forward.

These events are organized by coalitions of local partners, open to the public, and free of charge. They serve as vibrant platforms to showcase local culture, promote environmental awareness, and build community. Their impact is tangible: increased public interest and participation in environmental protection is a direct outcome.

A notable example is the Valdivia Wetland City Festival, which marked Valdivia’s designation as a Ramsar Wetland City in November 2024. As part of the third Somos Cuenca initiative (Somos Cuenca: habitantes del Wazalafken), the festival, supported by partner foundations, engaged nearly 500 people in its first six months. Activities included removing nearly one ton of trash and coordinating with over 80 local stakeholders.

Recognizing that environmental organizations often operate at the periphery of policy-making, Bestias has prioritized engagement with policymakers—yielding noteworthy results. The scenario in which Bestias operates today is slightly better, facilitated by the 2022 reform of Chile’s Código de Aguas (Water Code), originally established in 1981. The updated law now recognizes access to water as a human right, prioritizes domestic use, and establishes legal frameworks for ecosystem preservation and sustainable water management. These reforms were welcomed by Bestias and other members of the Protected Rivers collective.

Following, in 2023, the Ministry of Public Works’ General Directorate of Water (DGA) decreed flow reservations for the Puelo and Futaleufú rivers to preserve their ecosystems, effectively prohibiting extractive and large-scale development projects. This achievement was possible thanks to the extensive community advocacy, including the creation of Por las Aguas del Futaleufú—an illustrated map co-designed by Bestias that represents the uses and values recognized by those who live around the Futaleufú river. Once the whole legislative process is finalized, the Puelo and Futaleufú will be the first rivers in Chile protected under such a flow reserve.

This milestone was celebrated with a large gathering in Futaleufú in the style of Somos Cuenca, but this time attended by mayors, senators, and even the director of the DGA, who had the opportunity to make a rafting descent along the Azul River, a tributary of the Futaleufú river, for his first time ever. Despite not knowing how to swim, he descended the river —a powerful testament to his trust in the methodology and the immersive experience.

Looking ahead, Bestias and the Protected Rivers coalition are working on legislation to create a legal category of “protected river,” analogous to Chile’s national parks system. This new designation would ensure the ecological integrity of rivers by establishing clear protections and permissible uses—so that rivers can continue to flow freely and sustain the communities and ecosystems that depend on them.

Paulo Urrutia's journey as a social entrepreneur is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Puerto Montt, Chile, where his early fascination with rivers and the natural world was nurtured by a family that valued critical thinking and social involvement. As a young man, Paulo's passion for outdoor sports, particularly kayaking, became a defining aspect of his identity, blending adrenaline with a profound sense of the importance of functioning ecosystems for humankind. His academic pursuits in geology at the University of Concepción further solidified his connection to the environment, providing him with a scientific foundation to understand and address ecological challenges. Although geology in Chile is typically focused on mining and extraction, he approached it from a conservationist perspective. Paulo's entrepreneurial spirit was evident from an early age, as he ventured into various projects that combined his love for nature and his desire to make a positive impact. This drive led him to establish a travel agency that combines geology and hiking, Geoturismo Chile, and the NGO Bestias del Sur Salvaje, where he has successfully integrated science, tourism, and environmental education to foster socio-environmental movements focused on river conservation.

Paulo's relationship with the problem of river conservation is deeply personal and stems from his firsthand experiences witnessing the environmental degradation caused by dam constructions on Chile's rivers, particularly the Biobío. These encounters exposed him to the voices of local communities whose lives were disrupted by such projects, igniting a sense of urgency to protect these vital ecosystems. Through his work, Paulo recognized the disconnect between people and nature, exacerbated by the lack of relational spaces within communities. He understood that the degradation of rivers not only threatened biodiversity but also undermined the social fabric of communities that depended on these waterways. This realization drove him to explore innovative ways to engage communities in conservation efforts, using sports and cultural activities as tools to bridge the gap between people and their environment, as opposed to the prevalent, often violent, activism. This approach not only addressed the ecological challenges but also fostered a sense of belonging and collective responsibility, ultimately inspiring Paulo to dedicate his life to the conservation of Chile's rivers through Bestias del Sur Salvaje.