Our Values:

1. Protection of the Futaleufu River and other exceptional Patagonian ecotones

• Creating legal protection of the area’s natural resources.
• Supporting FutaFriends in the protection of the Futaleufu River Valley.
• Working with other outfitters, non-profits, local and national government agencies, and motivated citizens to coordinate and promote the balanced use of resources.
• Committed to 100 percent catch-and-release fishing and setting standards for zero impact camping.
• Association members agree to be active in reversing all forms of degradation- visual, and in regards to sanitation and congestion- of wild and scenic river corridors.

2. Respect for the local culture and economy

• Recognizing companies that provide opportunities for locals and their livelihoods.
• Creating support for locally owned and run outfitters and helping foreign outfitters develop in their sensitivity to local needs.
• Stimulating the local economy in positive ways through the tourism we attract.

3. Safety and Guide certification

• Development of POA approved safety standards and a POA approved course for guide training.
• Educating and certifying guides for safety and professionalism that exceed international standards.
• Determining safety standards and cut offs for river levels.

4. Responsible Promotion and Advertising

• Encourage tourism in Patagonia in a way that embraces local and association values.
• In the age of the Internet anybody can write anything on a web page. Membership in the POA guarantees that an outfitter’s web site is accurate and honest.
• Membership in the POA certifies the embodiment of these values.