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The Clothing Tycoons Who Saved Patagonia: The Story of Kristine and Doug Tompkins.

Writer's picture: GEB GroupGEB Group

Updated: Dec 11, 2023


The Story of Kristine and Doug Tompkins.

Patagonia, a vast and rugged region spanning southern Argentina and Chile, is known for its dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique ecosystems. However, this area faced significant threats from overgrazing, deforestation, and developers. That is, until two clothing tycoons, Kristine and Doug Tompkins, decided to use their fortunes to save it. Kristine Tompkins was the first CEO of Patagonia Inc., a renowned outdoor clothing company. At the age of 43, she met her husband, Doug, an adventurer and rock climber who co-founded The North Face and Esprit clothing brands. Together, they had amassed a considerable fortune and decided to use it to protect the environment they loved. They began by buying up and restoring millions of acres of threatened wilderness in Patagonia. Their plan was simple yet ambitious: buy as much land as they could, improve and protect it, and then return it to the people as public national parks.

However, not everything went smoothly; upon their initial arrival in Chile and Argentina, they were met with suspicion and opposition. Accusations ranged from creating a nuclear waste dump to forming a Jewish state or a green conservation cartel to stop development. Leftwing nationalists accused them of American imperialism and neo-colonialism, while rightwingers accused them of stealing Chile's fresh water to sell to China. As they acquired more land, they became Chile's largest landowner, raising security concerns.

Then On Dec. 8, 2015, Doug Tompkins was on a kayaking trip on General Carrera Lake, which straddles Chile and Argentina, with a group of friends, including Yvon Chouinard. Ms. Tompkins, who was several hours away by car, had discreetly given a member of the group a satellite phone, a device that Doug Tompkins had previously forbidden on his trips. When the group encountered a sudden storm that capsized their kayaks, they were able to call for help. Despite the efforts of rescuers, Doug Tompkins died of hypothermia.

Despite these challenges and the loss of her beloved husband, Kristine Tompins, now 72, doubled down on the work of their Topkins conservation foundation. She and her team worked tirelessly, and their efforts paid off by protecting 14.7 million acres through the creation and expansion of 17 national parks. Their ongoing rewilding programme has also been successful in reintroducing endangered animals such as jaguars to the wild. This effort aims to reverse the tide of extinction and ensure the survival and revival of species in their natural habitats. The Tompkins' work in Patagonia is a remarkable example of the power of individuals to make a significant impact on the environment.

Some of the achievements of the Topkins Foundation are:

  • 15 National Parks Created

  • Expanded 2 Marine National Parks

  • Designated 14+ Million Acres Protected (land)

  • 30+ million acres protected (sea)

  • 75+ Communities Positioned to Benefit from Parklands Protection

  • 30 Properties Improved for Residents of Pumalín Park’s Gateway Community

  • 20+ Conservation and Monitoring Projects

  • 14 Species Reintroduced

  • 14+ Jaguar Cubs Born in Rewilding Argentina’s reintroduction program in Iberá

  • 30 Years Engaged in Campaigns to Defend Wild Nature

  • 25+ book titles have been released from the publishing program.

Their inspiring story has been captured in the film "Wild Life," a sweeping portrait of Kristine Tompkins from National Geographic and Oscar® winners Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. A year after Doug’s sudden death in an accident in Chile, she explains how their shared vision is close to reality. The movie chronicles the Tompkins' fight for wild nature, which was born of love, survived tragedy, and continues to inspire us all. Watching the trailer is sure to give you goosebumps! We can't wait to watch the documentary in theatres now and on Disney+ on May 26, 2023.

Kristine and Doug Tompkins' work in Patagonia is a testament to their passion for sustainability and their deep love for nature. They have set an incredible example for others to follow, showing that individuals and businesses can make a significant difference in protecting our planet. The Tompkins' story is a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our planet. Whether it is through small actions or grand gestures, we can make a difference. Their legacy will continue to inspire generations to come and serve as a beacon of hope for the future of our planet.


It's time to stop just watching from the sidelines and start making a difference. We can all be sustainability heroes in our own right by actively supporting sustainable brands and initiatives, taking part in cleanups, and making sustainable choices every single day. Let's move beyond the passive act of just reading and watching and become active participants in creating a more sustainable world. Together, we can make a real impact and leave a positive legacy for future generations. So, what are you waiting for? Join the movement and start making a difference today!




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