The free environmental education newspaper “Ecochil” distributed to elementary school students has reached its 20th anniversary since its first issue. A Sapporo advertising company started distributing 100,000 copies once a month at elementary schools in Sapporo in April 2006. It has now expanded to distribute 15 times that amount, over 1.5 million copies, both within and outside Hokkaido. The name Ecochil, combining “ecology” and “children,” embodies the hope of raising children who will think about future environmental issues.

Ecochil

Ecochil is an ecotourism and cultural center located in the town of El Bolsón, Argentina, nestled in the Patagonian Andes. Founded in the early 1990s, it was established with a focus on sustainable living, organic farming, and environmental education, offering visitors workshops, hiking trails, and a chance to explore local flora and fauna. The site also reflects the region’s history of countercultural and alternative communities, serving as a model for eco-friendly practices in Argentine Patagonia.

Sapporo

Sapporo is the largest city on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, known for its modern urban planning and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. Originally developed in the late 19th century as a colonial settlement, its grid-like layout was inspired by Western designs, and it quickly grew into a major industrial and cultural hub. The city also gained international fame for hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, was historically known as Ezo and inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people before large-scale Japanese colonization began in the late 19th century. It was officially renamed Hokkaido in 1869, and the Meiji government promoted development through agriculture, mining, and infrastructure projects. Today, Hokkaido is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, national parks, ski resorts, and unique culture.

Ecochil

Ecochil is a notable ecotourism and conservation project located in the Chilean Patagonia, near the town of Puerto Natales. It was established with the goal of preserving the unique biodiversity of the region while promoting sustainable tourism and environmental education. The site offers visitors a chance to explore pristine forests, wetlands, and wildlife, reflecting a commitment to balancing ecological protection with public access.

El Bolsón

El Bolsón is a scenic town located in the Patagonian region of Argentina, nestled in the Andes foothills. Founded in the early 20th century, it grew significantly during the 1970s as a haven for hippies and countercultural movements, which shaped its reputation for artisan crafts, organic farming, and alternative lifestyles. Today, it is known for its stunning natural surroundings, including the Cerro Piltriquitrón mountain, and is a popular destination for hiking, outdoor activities, and experiencing a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere.

Argentina

Argentina is a South American country known for its rich cultural heritage, including tango music and dance, as well as its diverse landscapes from the Andes

Ecochil

Ecochil is an ecotourism and cultural center located in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador, near the town of Tena. Established in the early 1990s by the local Kichwa community, it was created to promote sustainable tourism while preserving indigenous traditions and protecting the surrounding rainforest. The site offers visitors opportunities to learn about Kichwa culture, participate in jungle hikes, and experience traditional crafts and ceremonies.

Sapporo

Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido, Japan, known for its modern urban design and natural surroundings. Originally developed in the late 19th century as a planned city based on a grid system, it was influenced by American agricultural advisors and grew rapidly after the Hokkaido Development Commission was established. Today, it is famous for the Sapporo Snow Festival, its beer, and as a gateway to outdoor activities like skiing and hiking.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, has a history shaped by its indigenous Ainu people before becoming a major frontier for Japanese settlement during the Meiji era (late 19th century). Today, it is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including national parks, volcanoes, and hot springs, as well as its vibrant cities like Sapporo, famous for skiing and the annual Snow Festival.

El Bolsón

El Bolsón is a picturesque town in the Patagonian region of Argentina, nestled in a valley surrounded by the Andes. Originally settled by European immigrants in the early 20th century, it became a hub for counterculture and hippie communities in the 1960s and 1970s, attracting artisans and nature lovers. Today, it is known for its stunning landscapes, craft markets, and as a gateway to outdoor activities like hiking and river rafting.

Argentina

Argentina is a South American country known for its rich cultural heritage, including tango music and dance, as well as its diverse landscapes from the Andes mountains to the Pampas grasslands. Its history includes Spanish colonization beginning in the 16th century, followed by a struggle for independence led by figures like José de San Martín in the early 1800s. Today, Argentina is famous for its vibrant capital Buenos Aires, the dramatic Iguazú Falls, and its passionate football culture.

Patagonian Andes

The Patagonian Andes form the southernmost section of the Andes mountain range, stretching across Chile and Argentina. This dramatic landscape of towering peaks, glaciers, and fjords was shaped by glacial activity and remains sparsely populated, with indigenous groups like the Tehuelche and Mapuche living there before European exploration. The region gained global attention in the 19th and 20th centuries through explorers and naturalists, and today it is renowned for its national parks, such as Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares.

Cerro Piltriquitrón

Cerro Piltriquitrón is a prominent mountain located near El Bolsón, Argentina, in the Patagonian Andes. Its name comes from the Mapuche language, meaning “hanging from the clouds,” reflecting the frequent mist that envelops its summit. Historically, the area was inhabited by the Tehuelche and Mapuche peoples, and today it is a popular destination for hiking and nature tourism, featuring a notable forest of ancient alerce trees.

Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales is a city in Chilean Patagonia, founded in 1911 as a small port and livestock trading post. It is best known today as the primary gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, a world-renowned destination for hiking and natural beauty. The city’s history is tied to early settlers and sheep farming, which shaped its development into the charming, rugged outpost it remains.