Abstract

The Center for Research in Patagonian Ecosystems (Centro de Investigación en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia, CIEP) was created in 2005 as part of the Chilean CONICYT research program to favor regional development. The present paper explores how CIEP, Universidad Austral de Chile (Chile) and the University Joseph Fourier (France) studied new knowledge, technology transfer and local development options with the support of “Scientific Tourism” (ST). With the collaboration of more than 20 public and 100 private entities, of Chile, South America and Europe, an international program supported research on cultural heritage and ecosystems in Patagonia to increase local understanding of environmental challenges and favor tourism development of isolated rural areas.