Akin Advises Re:wild on Pro Bono Purchase of Biodiverse Chilean Island.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP advised global conservation nonprofit Re:wild in the strategic acquisition of a majority interest in Guafo Island, Chile, one of the world’s most ecologically significant private islands.
The transaction, completed in partnership with a coalition of philanthropic donors, paves the way for Guafo to be converted into a Chilean National Park, ensuring its permanent protection.
Re:wild, co-founded by renowned conservation scientists and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, is dedicated to restoring and protecting the wild at scale. Its latest effort secures Guafo Island, a designated Key Biodiversity Area known for its critical ecosystems and rich wildlife.
The objective is to donate the island to the government of Chile to ensure its permanent conservation for the benefit of future generations.
Re:wild stated: “This vital place is conserved for future generations,” adding that “Guafo Island is critical to global biodiversity and the overall health of our planet.”
The effort is being supported by a growing coalition of Chilean conservation and Indigenous groups.
“We are excited about this opportunity for Chile. We thank Re:wild for taking the first step and are proud to be a part of the next steps in this project.” said Guillermo Scallan, board president of Corporación Cultiva.
Ricardo Bosshard, director of WWF Chile, added: “Once the purchase was finalized, we were invited to join the process. Our aim is to support and strengthen these initiatives, and we will actively promote a consultative participation process with Indigenous communities and other local stakeholders."
Akin represented Re:wild in the transaction on a pro bono basis, underscoring the firm’s commitment to environmental and social impact initiatives. The deal team was led by partner Alan Laves and included Nick Houpt, Eduardo Canales, and Claire Beaty. Chilean law firm Carey acted as local counsel.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading global law firm with over 900 lawyers across offices in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Founded in 1945, the firm is recognized for excellence in complex transactions, litigation, financial restructuring, and public policy. Akin is known for its innovative, diverse, and collaborative culture, serving corporations, governments, and individuals with tailored legal solutions.
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