Located southeast of the Greater Island of Chiloé in the Chiloé Archipelago, Quinchao Island is a critical site that supports the largest non-breeding populations of Hudsonian godwits and whimbrels along the Pacific Coast of South America. Each spring and summer, thousands of these shorebirds migrate to Quinchao all the way from Alaska. They feed and roost on the island’s sandy beaches and coastal wetlands.

The island’s high conservation value, unique culture, and beautiful landscape attract an increasing number of tourists each year. The Tourism Association of Curaco de Vélez has developed ecotourism activities based on birdwatching. Members also make handicrafts based on birds and wetlands. However, the association’s members don’t have a good place to sell their crafts, receive visitors, and promote the conservation of the migratory birds. Seacology is funding construction of an ecotourism visitors center, where local people can sell handicrafts and promote conservation activities. In exchange, the community will establish a 100-acre local reserve, for a minimum of 10 years, to protect this critical site for migratory shorebirds.