Apply

Apply for the 2025 Mission Patagonia Expedition

Brown mushrooms grow under a fallen tree in a forest.

Credit: Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht

Mission Patagonia 2025 applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. (your local time) on  Sunday, December 15th, 2024. Extensions will not be granted. All applications must be submitted via the online application.

The Mission Patagonia 2025 expedition dates will be announced soon. You are encouraged to print out and review the application, prepare your responses in advance, and then copy/paste them into the online application. 

Please direct questions to Yasmin Catricheo at [email protected] or Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht at [email protected].

Eligibility

Participation Requirements

To participate in Mission Patagonia, applicants need to:

  • Demonstrate interest in and commitment to environmental stewardship. Applicants are evaluated on their interest in and commitment to environmental conservation, climate change mitigation and sustainability. This can include professional experience, volunteerism, part-time work or other activities.
  • Describe the communities they reach and show a commitment to sharing their experience with others. Participants must be willing and able to share their Mission Patagonia experience with their communities. This can include sharing through social media, blogs, public presentations or educational initiatives.

Participants will be selected based on a competitive application process. Applicants are asked to outline their qualifications, interests, and how they intend to use the experience to benefit their communities and professional networks.

Mission Patagonia is committed to building a diverse cohort. Applicants from underrepresented groups in environmental sciences and those from various geographic locations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

Mission Patagonia takes place in one of the most remote and pristine locations on the planet, which can sometimes be physically demanding to navigate. Participants should be prepared for the following physical requirements:

  • Hiking and Trekking: The program includes multiple hikes through rugged terrain, including trails within the Melimoyu Elemental Reserve. Participants should be able to comfortably walk up to 3 kilometers over uneven and sometimes steep ground.
  • Outdoor Activities: Participants will engage in various outdoor activities, including wildlife observation and hands-on scientific exploration, which may require standing or walking for extended periods.
  • Travel and Transportation: The journey to and from the reserve involves long travel times, including flights, ferry rides, and transfers by road. Participants should be physically prepared for these extended periods of travel and potential motion-related discomfort.
  • Weather Conditions: Patagonia’s weather can be unpredictable, with conditions ranging from cold and wet to sunny and warm, often within the same day. Participants must be equipped to handle varying weather conditions and should be comfortable with exposure to the elements during outdoor activities.
  • Health Considerations: Due to the remote nature of the program, participants should be in good health, with no conditions that could be exacerbated by strenuous physical activity or the limited availability of medical facilities. It is recommended that participants consult with a healthcare provider before joining the program to ensure they meet the physical demands of the expedition.
A group of nature guardians, wearing orange lifejackets, look over the edge of a boat into the water. The two guardians in the front of the group each hold a large camera.

Credit: Esteban Tapia Brunet

Credit: Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my obligations as a Nature Guardian for Mission Patagonia?

As a Nature Guardian, your primary obligations include:

  • Engaging in two or three pre-expedition virtual training sessions, the on-site activities during the expedition, and post-expedition surveys or debriefings.
  • Sharing your experiences and knowledge gained through various outreach activities after the expedition. This could include social media posts, blogs, presentations, or educational workshops in your community.

We also encourage Nature Guardians to:

  • Work collaboratively with other participants and local stakeholders to promote effective conservation strategies and climate change mitigation efforts.
  • Maintain active communication with the Mission Patagonia network, contributing to ongoing discussions and initiatives aimed at environmental preservation.

    What are the related costs?

    There is a subsidized program fee of $2,950 USD, which covers all accommodation, meals, and local transportation during the expedition, as well as access to all planned activities and training sessions. Participants are also responsible for booking their own travel to and from Santiago, Chile. Additional expenses could include travel insurance (strongly recommended), personal expenses, and any clothing or supplies you may need for the expedition.

    Who may apply?

    The program is open to individuals with a strong interest in environmental conservation and a commitment to sharing their experiences with their communities. Mission Patagonia encourages applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations.

    If selected, what can I expect?

    During the expedition, you can expect a hands-on, immersive experience that blends adventure with education. The program offers an intimate connection with the pristine natural environment of Patagonia, where you would engage in activities such as wildlife observation, conservation work and cultural exchanges with local communities. The experience is both physically and intellectually stimulating, designed to deepen your understanding of environmental issues while fostering personal growth and professional development in a supportive group setting.

    Before the expedition, you would engage in virtual training sessions covering various topics, including conservation strategies, travel preparedness and effective communication techniques.

    Throughout the program and beyond your time in Melimoyu, you will have access to a network of fellow participants, program alumni, and experts in environmental science and education.

    What will I gain from participating in Mission Patagonia?

    By participating in Mission Patagonia, you’ll join a network of peers dedicated to environmental conservation and education who can support and inspire your efforts long after the expedition ends. The program broadens your understanding of global environmental challenges, and enhances your ability to communicate and advocate for sustainability. Beyond technical knowledge, many past participants report returning to their communities with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the beauty and fragility of our planet.