Change starts with you, but it is strengthened in community
About us
Connecting communities, preserving our environment.
The Kiñewen Elemental Natura Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2019, committed to developing educational and socio-environmental initiatives that value the ecosystem and culture of southern Chile. Our core pillars include Ecopsychology, Environmental Education, Socio-environmental Engagement, Adventure Sports, Research, Conservation, and Biodiversity Awareness. We work to create a positive impact on our communities and the natural environment. Join us in this mission of respect and care for our planet.
Our story
The word "Kiñewen" comes from Mapudungun and means "United by a Goal" and that is how our story begins .
The Kiñewen Elemental Natura Foundation was born from the symbiosis of Catalina and Nicolás, two young people from Rancagua passionate about nature, adventure sports and southern Chile, with the clear mission of contributing to the conservation of biodiversity through comprehensive and universal environmental education.
Life's paths have brought them into contact with wonderful people who are now our partners and have infused their magic and essence into the development of our proposals, which range from psychology and art to ecosystem dynamics. Many of our programs have been self-managed, highlighting the commitment, conviction, and will of our team, which has allowed us to gradually establish pathways and networks.
United with nature: The working philosophy of the Kiñewen Foundation
At the Kiñewen Foundation, our work philosophy is based on a deep respect for the natural environment and a conviction that conservation is a task that unites us all. Our name, "Kiñewen," which in Mapudungun means "to be united," reflects the central pillar of our actions: the union of the community and the environment to generate a positive and lasting impact.
Vision
To be a leading organization in the Los Lagos Region for our innovative and collaborative approach to environmental protection and conservation. We envision a future where community and nature coexist in harmony, valuing and preserving our region's unique ecosystems for future generations.
Mission
To promote the conservation and protection of the environment through education, research, and the development of participatory projects. Our mission is to strengthen people's connection with nature, raising awareness and promoting concrete actions that contribute to the sustainable development and resilience of our natural environment.
Values
The values of the Kiñewen Foundation guide each of its actions and reflect its commitment to the environment and the community:
Collaboration
I respect
Innovation
Education
Passion
Founders
"The passion that drives us has a face"
Founder - CEO
Catalina Higueras Amigo
Environmental Engineer and Ecotourism Manager, focused on education and socio-environmental engagement. Driven by her deep passion for biodiversity and adventure, she has dedicated her career to developing sustainable projects and promoting ecological awareness, both as a professor in tourism programs and by collaborating with other environmental organizations.
In 2019, her dream of creating an educational organization that would benefit the community materialized with the "Kiñewen Elemental Natura Foundation," which seeks to foster a close link between technical knowledge and practical experiences in nature, creating synergies with other institutions to maximize positive impact. Her work reflects a holistic vision of sustainability, where learning and connection with the natural environment are key to conservation.
Co-founder
Nicolás Herrera Tuñón
With a solid background as an Industrial Maintenance Technologist and in-depth specialization in renewable energies, Nicolás leads the Chilean company "8Vientos," dedicated to transportation logistics in wind farms throughout Chile. His professional career is marked by an innovative and tenacious approach, influenced by his passion for climbing, which inspires him to overcome challenges with discipline and constantly seek sustainable solutions.
In addition to his business role, he is the co-founder of the Kiñewen Foundation, through which he channels his commitment to the environment.
Our Partners
Dedication, experience and passion
The Kiñewen Elemental Natura Foundation is multifaceted and extends beyond formal education, integrating diverse areas to foster a deep connection with nature. Our team, with its multidisciplinary approach, addresses areas such as research, energy efficiency, art, and ecopsychology to achieve its goals.
Audiovisual Manager
Franco Sancho Garrido
Franco channels his passion for nature through his role as audiovisual manager at the Kiñewen Elemental Natura Foundation. This publicist, art director, and visual artist uses his diverse talents to bring the foundation's mission to life. His work focuses on creating audiovisual pieces that not only convey a message of conservation and environmental education but also invite a sensory and emotional connection with nature. This integration of his personal and professional vision is complemented by his artistic project, "Francolibri," where he intimately explores his love for the natural world.
Head of Ecopsychology
María Isabel Tapia Rogel
With a background in clinical psychology with a social and feminist focus, she has specialized in ecopsychology to promote emotional well-being through connection with nature, valuing sensory exploration and contact with the natural environment, and fostering the synchronization of internal rhythms with life cycles. This holistic vision extends to her work as co-founder of "Cuerpas Vividas" and "Ser Silvestre," as well as her role as a partner in the Kiñewen Elemental Natura Foundation, where she integrates ecopsychology into educational programs, thus enriching the foundation's mission of connecting people with the environment.
Logistics Manager
Pedro Valdebenito Astorga
A tourism engineer and nature specialist, he has established himself as a leading figure in the management of sustainable outdoor experiences in Chile. His career is distinguished by his experience managing on-site logistics for various expeditions and his work as a professor in tourism and ecotourism programs, where he has shared his vision of responsible practices. Reflecting his commitment to conservation, he holds the Leave No Trace (LET) Master certification from NOLS. In addition to his teaching and logistics roles, Valdebenito is the founder of "Cordada Andina" and a partner in the Kiñewen Elemental Natura Foundation, where he leads on-site logistics, demonstrating a strong integration of his passions in the fields of entrepreneurship and environmental conservation.
Head of Logistics and Environmental Education
Javiera Peralta Larraguibel
Javiera Peralta is an ecotourism manager and environmental educator with extensive experience coordinating programs and leading outdoor activities. Her commitment to sustainability and training new generations has led her to teach tourism in Villarrica. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Wilderness Areas and Nature Conservation at the University of Chile, which is strengthening her theoretical and practical knowledge in the field.
Pedagogical Management
Aida Amigo Ulloa
State Professor of Mathematics at the University of Chile, specializing in curriculum management.
Currently, she serves as the academic director of the Hispano Chileno El Pilar School in Rancagua.
In her role at the Kiñewen Elemental Natura Foundation, her function is crucial in promoting the inclusion of environmental education in the national curriculum. Her management expertise allows her to design strategies for integrating conservation and sustainability into curricula, creating effective educational programs aligned with the policies of the Ministry of Education. In this way, she contributes to making environmental education a cross-cutting component in student training.
Memorias Anuales
