Juan Pablo Orrego Silva

Chilean Ecologist. President of the Corporation Ecosistemas, based in Santiago, Chile, and International Coordinator of the Patagonia Without Dams Campaign. Master in Environmental Studies (Ecology and Anthropology). Teacher, researcher, and musician. One of the founders of the “Grupo de Acción por el Biobío - GABB”, and its General Coordinator for twelve years. GABB deployed an emblematic, 12- year campaign to stop the construction of large hydroelectric dams in the Biobío River, for the protection of the unique watershed, and the defense of the rights of the Pehuenche indigenous communities who inhabit the area. For this work Juan Pablo was honored with the Goldman Award (1997) and the Right Livelihood Award (1998). Juan Pablo is author of many articles and documents on ecology, environmental culture, energy and water resources. In 2003 he joined the “No-Alumysa” Campaign, opposing the building of a Canadian aluminum smelter in Chilean Patagonia. Today, he concentrates his best efforts in a proactive campaign to protect Chilean Patagonia from industrialization, to promote environmental education, and to contribute to a new paradigm in energy development and development in general.