The Future History of Puerto Velero, Chile.

This project explores the destinies of over 1000 cities & towns across the world as they strive to tackle the severe environmental obstacles of the 21st century. As a component of this, today we focus below on the future of Puerto Velero in Chile.

Puerto Velero, once a quaint coastal town known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic ocean views, faced profound economic and environmental challenges during the early 21st century. Historically dependent on small-scale fishing, tourism, and subsistence farming, the town struggled with the encroachment of large fishing corporations, the intrusion of big hotel chains, the death of all its wild seabirds, and the devastating effects of climate change and coastal erosion. Overfishing, pollution, and rising sea levels had reduced the once abundant marine life and eroded productive coastal lands and much of the tourist-friendly beaches. Additionally, Puerto Velero's economy was left behind in the global race toward technological advancements, while poverty and lack of access to quality education stunted growth and innovation.

By the 2030s, tensions began to mount in the community. Locals resisted the push from 'big-tech' companies attempting to turn their rustic town needlessly into a 'tech hub' dominated by surveillance systems, throw-away tech-gadgets, and automated industries. Instead, the residents of Puerto Velero sought a different path—a vision deeply rooted in their connection to nature and a desire for long-term sustainability.

In 2040, a groundbreaking Green Revolution began to take shape. Led by a coalition of local activists, fishermen, and educators, Puerto Velero embarked on a transformative journey toward becoming one of the world’s most eco-friendly towns by the century's end. Central to this revolution was a series of innovative policies designed to address both social and environmental issues.

The first major policy was the "Ecotourism Initiative of 2045", which focused on preserving Puerto Velero’s natural beauty and biodiversity. Instead of mass tourism, Puerto Velero embraced small-scale, high-value ecotourism that highlighted its pristine beaches, wildlife, and local culture. Eco-friendly hotels were built using recycled and locally sourced materials, and all new buildings adopted the principles of "biophilic design", where architecture blended seamlessly with the natural landscape—much like the rustic, whimsical structures that would dot the coast by 2100. Travelers were encouraged to participate in conservation projects, such as sea turtle nesting programs and coastal reforestation efforts, fostering a deep connection to the environment.

Meanwhile, local residents began organizing resistance movements against unsustainable industries and any form of exploitative 'big-tech' company. They formed collectives that promoted self-sufficient economies and rejecting technological dependence and thow-away tech gadgets in favor of the skillful maintenance of 'old-tech'. They also began resisting reliance on mega-corporations before focusing on localized production and energy generation. Solar and wind power became abundant sources of clean energy, and a unique desalination project turned ocean water into fresh drinking water, combating the town's water scarcity problems.

Education became a key focus of Puerto Velero's transformation. The 'Free Education for All Initiative' launched in 2055, ensuring that every child and adult had access to high-quality, community-centered education that focused on sustainability, agriculture, biodiversity, and cooperative economics. Coquimbo’s schools became laboratories for eco-innovation, where students not only learned but contributed to the town’s growing reputation as a global leader in sustainable living.

Biodiversity flourished under Puerto Veleros new 'Marine and Coastal Protection Program'. Strict regulations were introduced to protect local marine life, banning industrial fishing within a 200-mile radius of the town. Fishermen shifted to sustainable fishing techniques that prioritized ecosystem balance, while the local government supported small-scale fisheries that enriched both the economy and the environment.

Puerto Velero in the late 21st Century (by the Urban Futures team)

By the turn of the century, Puerto Velero had become a vibrant ecological haven, resembling the picturesque coastal town in the vision of its future—where wind-powered vehicles roamed the sandy streets, lush greenery grew along the cliffs, and the once devastated coastlines had regenerated into diverse marine ecosystems. The town had not only adapted to its changing world but had become a model of how collective resistance, visionary policies, and a love for nature could create a harmonious, sustainable future free from the constraints of big tech and corporate exploitation.