El Impenetrable National Park. Contributing to Its Creation

Transcription

1 El Impenetrable National Park Contributing to Its Creation

2 Riccardo Tiddi, Sofía Heinonen, Verónica Quiroga, and Lorena López, 2014 Maps: Cristian Schneider Graphic Design: Andrés Stubelt El Impenetrable National Park: Contributing to Its Creation The Conservation Land Trust Argentina. 92 pages This national park came true thanks to the work of all of us

3 El Impenetrable National Park Contributing to Its Creation Table of Contents 1 Introduction El Impenetrable National Park What Are National Parks? History of El Impenetrable s Creation Conservation and Restoration Needs Importance of the Impenetrable Area 16 2 Situation around the Park Inhabitants of El Impenetrable Cattle Timber Extraction Endangered Traditions Indigenous People 25 3 Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion A New Paradigm An Emerging Destination Entrance Gates and Tourism Circuits La Armonía y Centro del Parque Circuit Nueva Población y Bermejito Circuit Del Palmar Circuit Scenic Routes: From Humid Chaco to El Impenetrable Tourism and Woodland Products Wild Fauna Habituated to People 49 4 Necessary Short-term Projects Implementing the Park Perimeter Fencing Livestock Management Obtaining Titles to Property Strategic Places to Protect and Enhance 56 5 Institute for Wildlife and Culture Description of the Proposed Institute Fire Management Controlling Nonnative Species Reintroducing Extirpated Species Predator Recovery 66 6 Future Strategies Park s Extension to Formosa, an Urgent Action The Two Corridors of El Impenetrable The Importance of the Bermejo Basin 74 7 Additional Information People Involved in the Implementation of El Impenetrable National Park Timeline of the National Park: Legal Background of Its Creation Contact Details Acknowledgments 86

4 El Impenetrable National Park Introduction El Impenetrable National Park Introduction Part I Introduction Aerial view of the Bermejo River, also known as the Teuco. 6 7

5 El Impenetrable National Park Introduction El Impenetrable National Park Introduction 1.1 El Impenetrable National Park El Impenetrable National Park is located in northern Argentina s Chaco Province, along the eastern edge of what is known as the Impenetrable region, which was given that name due to its thick woodlands and scarce water, which hampered early exploration. The park comprises 128,000 hectares (316,000 acres) between the Bermejo Teuco and Bermejito Rivers, its geographic boundaries to the northeast and southwest, respectively. El Impenetrable is the largest national park in the north of Argentina, vital to sustain populations of big mammals such as the jaguar, tapir, peccary, and giant anteater, to name a few of its species. It is a well-conserved native forest rich in biodiversity. The park was created from a former ranch, the Estancia La Fidelidad. In addition to hosting a great variety of mammals, it has become a refuge for hundreds of bird species, such as the crowned eagle, jabiru, blue-fronted amazon, black-bodied woodpecker, Chaco chachalaca, skimmer, and rufous-fronted thornbird, among others. It also has diverse vegetation, including quebracho santiagueño, white quebracho, locust tree, Schinus molle, guaiacum, Sideroxylon obtusifolium or guaraniná, yuchan, Pisonia ambigua or zapallo caspi, mistol, vinal, Prosopis kuntzei or itín, porotillo and garabato, among many other species. El Impenetrable National Park hosts a large area of Bulnesia sarmientoi forest, an endemic species of the dry Chaco biome, well-known for the quality of its wood. The presence of multiple environments within the park is key for its great biodiversity: It has upland woodlands of quebrachos, groups of locust trees, riparian forests, palm forests, cardón forests, grasslands, and even one of the last wetlands of the region. The Teuco River, with its regular flooding and year-round flow, plays a leading role in shaping the various natural communities and supporting wildlife populations during the dry season. El Impenetrable National Park is a special place of vital importance to preserve the richness of Chaco s woodlands. 8 El Impenetrable National Park is located in the province of Chaco, bounded by the Bermejo River. The park s great expanse supports habitat for large mammals such as the emblematic jaguar. 9

6 El Impenetrable National Park Introduction El Impenetrable National Park Introduction 1.2 What Are National Parks? National parks are among the oldest and most popular form of formal conservation designation on Earth. In the Republic of Argentina, national parks are the highest protected area category managed by the national government. Provincial parks administered by the provinces are similarly managed protected areas but, in general, have a smaller infrastructure and less resources. The advantage of national level management is that Argentina s national parks administration oversees its landholdings according to national park law, is self-sufficient, with its own budget, and operates a school for park rangers to develop professional expertise across the park system. While a national system, it is also decentralized, with management/administrative offices for specific protected areas in the nearby towns. However, in case of a threat to a park unit, local citizens or rangers may petition federal judges or even the National Supreme Court for protection of the national park in question. The primary mission of the National Protected Areas System is to preserve representative samples of Argentina s environmental mosaic, ensuring conservation of the country s biodiversity. El Impenetrable National Park now joins the conservation major leagues, adding a further link in Chaco s corridor of protected areas, which includes Formosa Natural Reserve and the Reserve Riacho Teuquito Biosphere and Bañado la Estrella (in Formosa Province), Copo National Park (in Santiago del Estero), and the provincial parks Loro Hablador and Fuerte Esperanza (in Chaco). 10 The national park protects the southern bank of the Teuco River. It is also necessary to conserve the northern bank (in Formosa Province) to ensure the river s full protection. Similarly, to sustain water and habitat quality in the riparian zone along the Bermejito River, its southern bank, just outside the park, must be conserved. 11

7 El Impenetrable National Park Introduction El Impenetrable National Park Introduction 1.3 History of El Impenetrable s Creation 1.4 Conservation and Restoration Needs When the idea of establishing a new national park from the former Estancia La Fidelidad property entered public discussion, it was widely embraced. The provincial government of Chaco, the National Parks Administration, and various Argentinean conservation organizations enthusiastically supported the park s creation. Its birth has come true thanks to the contributions of companies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and Argentine and foreign citizens; this is why it is hailed as Argentina s first national park broadly supported by the public through a participatory process. Through an agreement reached with the province of Chaco, the Conservation Land Trust Argentina (CLT), a nongovernmental organization, has worked with the Under-Secretariat of Natural Resources from the start on the process for establishing El Impenetrable. CLT has been responsible for the logistics and administrative presence in the park area since December 2012, helping to carry out wildlife monitoring, provide training, and conduct public relations campaigns among donors and the press. CLT also offered the necessary funds to perform the land valuation appraisal, which will assure that the former landowner s heirs are fairly compensated once the succession proceedings are complete. Estancia La Fidelidad was established in 1872 when the land was granted by the Government of Salta (at that time Chaco was not yet a province) to Natalio Roldán, a merchant from Buenos Aires, to thank him for navigating and exploring the Bermejo River. Later, the property was sold to the Born family and it became a livestock operation. The Roseo brothers carried on this business, though at a lower profit, eventually deciding to begin logging, primarily locust trees, to support the industrial timber economy in Castelli. For many years, inhabitants of nearby towns have used the former estancia to hunt game, even as unmanaged cattle and feral donkeys remained in the area. As a consequence of the combination of hunting pressure, grazing by domestic animals, and timber extraction, some native species were extirpated, others were reduced, and the vegetation suffered changes. In order to recover the biodiversity and ecological vitality of the landscape, this situation will have to be reversed. Given the complexity of the ecosystem and the historical land use, it is unlikely that natural recovery will occur quickly without intervention. Accordingly, active but humble management actions to restore natural processes and prevent the extinction of imperiled animals and plants are needed. A priority is to help restore native species that have become regionally extinct, such as the guanaco and the Pampas deer. El Impenetrable was created thanks to the work performed by the Government of Chaco, the National Parks Administration, and environmental organizations, as well as contributing companies and private citizens. This is why it is known as the people s park. In 2011, upon the death of Manuel Roseo the last owner of the farm environmental organizations and the National Parks Administration proposed the creation of a national park, and the province of Chaco took the necessary administrative and legislative actions to support establishment of El Impenetrable. As the park shares one boundary with the province of Formosa, effective preservation of the landscape will likely require some expansion of conservation protections across provincial borders. Formosa officials have displayed some interest in cooperative conservation but, at this writing, those actions remain in the future. Management actions should focus on restoring the park s natural landscape and recovering populations of threatened animals and plants

8 El Impenetrable National Park Introduction El Impenetrable National Park Introduction El Impenetrable is located within the Gran Chaco ecoregion, the third-largest forest in South America. In addition to supporting key wildlife, the area serves as a habitat corridor connecting the Yungas biome in Salta and Jujuy with the remnants of Misiones jungle through the basins of the Paraguay/Paraná Rivers

9 El Impenetrable National Park Introduction El Impenetrable National Park Introduction 1.5 Importance of the Impenetrable Area The Gran Chaco ecoregion stretches across parts of three countries (Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina) and is the third-most expansive intact forest in South America, followed by the Amazonia and Cerrado jungles. The portion known as El Impenetrable is located in the central area of Gran Chaco in Argentina, which covers more than 9 million hectares in the provinces of Salta, Formosa, Chaco, and Santiago del Estero. The park was given the name El Impenetrable to highlight its natural and cultural importance to the entire region. El Impenetrable is at risk for continued desertification due to past livestock grazing and logging; thus it is essential to preserve the fragile soil from erosion by wind or water. The park hosts threatened fauna such as the jaguar, giant anteater, tapir, Chacoan peccary, and giant armadillo, a species that was declared a Provincial Natural Monument in Chaco. Other notable animals commonly found in El Impenetrable include the maned wolf, white-lipped peccary (or tayassu pecari), and ocelot, which are very rare and hunted in the Chaco region. Avian species include the black-bodied woodpecker, blue-fronted amazon, Chaco s rufous-legged owl, crowned solitary eagle, matico, and buff-fronted owl, which are very scarce in the Chaco forest. Endemic species in this area (animals and plants that are only found in this region) include the pichiciego, piche islero, Chacoan mara, Chacoan peccary, Quebracho crested tinamou, and even a tree species, the Argentine lignum vitae. Additionally, the watershed forests (located between the Bermejo and Bermejito Rivers) are crucial to maintain the connection between the Yunga jungles in Salta and Jujuy and the Atlantic forest remnants in Misiones, through the riparian forests associated with the Bermejo, Paraguay, and Paraná Rivers. 16 Technically, the new national park is not located directly in the Impenetrable region but within its watershed. However, it was named El Impenetrable National Park by the neighboring communities to position it as an ecotourist destination. 17

10 El Impenetrable National Park Situation around the Park El Impenetrable National Park Situation around the Park Part II Situation around the Park Creole people generally have small pieces of land where they raise domestic animals

11 El Impenetrable National Park Situation around the Park El Impenetrable National Park Situation around the Park 2.1 Inhabitants of El Impenetrable Chaco s human population is made up of indigenous and Creole peoples, with different customs of land use and natural resource management. The population density is low (less than three inhabitants per square kilometer) and is distributed roughly equally between rural areas and towns. Although the illiteracy rate is still high, the policies implemented in recent years have remarkably improved this situation, and school attendance has grown. In the areas next to the park, a large percentage of the Creole population has no legal title to property or funds to purchase the land and pay for the appraisals and taxes set by the government s colonization program. In rural zones, Creole inhabitants typically live in dwellings with one to ten families, relying on a subsistence economy. Historically, regional employment depended upon forest exploitation and livestock grazing, using unskilled and temporary workers. Given the deterioration of the ecosystem, the government is now promoting the development of employment alternatives derived from non-timber uses of the forest. There are five main towns surrounding the park: Miraflores, Nueva Pompeya, Fuerte Esperanza, Wichí, and Sauzalito; all of them are part of the Güemes Department, with Castelli being the main town of the jurisdiction. The Wichís and Qom indigenous communities have achieved formal recognition for owning some pieces of community land of various sizes. Most indigenous people live in community reserves located next to the towns. The most important reserves near El Impenetrable National Park are: Nueva Población Reserve (Wichí): 1,500 hectares next to the park. It is the only neighboring site where Creole peoples and Wichís live together. Nueva Pompeya Reserve (Wichí): 20,000 hectares next to the park in the area of the town with the same name. Meguesoxochi Reserve (Qom): 150,000 hectares located 10 kilometers south of the park. Mowitob Reserve (Qom, Mocoví, and Wichí): 308,000 hectares that the government will grant to the Qom, Mocovíes, and Wichís as compensation for damages relating to the Desert Campaign, also implemented in Chaco. Indigenous inhabitants live in community reserves

12 El Impenetrable National Park Situation around the Park El Impenetrable National Park Situation around the Park 2.2 Cattle Along with hunting, the introduction of exotic species is one of the main reasons for the loss of native flora and fauna. In El Impenetrable, formerly extensive livestock grazing caused many negative effects: trampling in wetlands; destruction of water sources that would support fauna in times of drought; changes in the understory structure; scattering of woody plant seeds in open areas, and overgrazing of grasses and legumes. This has degraded natural grasslands, caused competition for water and land between domestic and native herbivores, and precipitated other ill effects associated with livestock management. With certain exceptions, ranching in the region is generally for local subsistence, as it is not competitive with large-scale cattle operations in other regions. Still, ranching holds a prominent position in the life and economy of inhabitants, since this activity has been undertaken by many generations and is perceived as a cultural tradition. 2.3 Timber Extraction In the last century, logging has been one of the main business activities on El Impenetrable property because its forests were rich in valuable timber, including locust, quebracho, and Argentine lignum vitae. Although these timber resources have been very significant, because the forest needs many decades or even centuries to regenerate, today this resource is largely exhausted. Despite the efforts of the Forest Office (Dirección de Bosques), there are still cases of unsustainable timber extraction in the region. Thus, the development of ecotourism and associated new business activity related to El Impenetrable National Park may help diversify the economy and contribute to forest recovery. No domestic livestock should be permitted in El Impenetrable National Park. Livestock can damags soils due to trampling and overgrazing, and may displace wildlife due to competition for water and forage. The timber resources of the Chaco forest are commercially exhausted because the extracted volumes cannot be regenerated in the next decades. Locust trees are becoming commercially extinct, which is also the case for red quebracho

13 El Impenetrable National Park Situation around the Park El Impenetrable National Park Situation around the Park 2.4 Endangered Traditions 2.5 Indigenous People Migration from rural areas to the cities is producing considerable cultural change in the Impenetrable region. Many citizens nowadays reject woodlands stuff. This is seen in food choices, where imported foods are increasingly chosen over local products such as cactus fruit, mistol, carob flour, and charque, which have even been associated with a life of yeta (bad luck) and poverty. Ironically, certain ecologically friendly practices have been maintained or added faster in rural areas than in the cities, such as the use of sun shades and green roofs (which serve as an orchard and refuge from heat), or the collection and use of rain water. Tourism might be a great tool to value and promote these practices among city dwellers, as park visitors learn about local products and knowledge. Indigenous peoples from El Impenetrable, mainly Wichís and Qom, have a bond with nature: the way in which they think about, see, and describe the world is significantly different from that of the Europeans who came later to the landscape. For these communities, preserving nature is inherent to their lifestyle. For example, in the worldview of Wichís, each animal has an owner a spirit taking care of it who tells the shaman how many animals may be hunted without affecting their population. What environmentalists know as conservation is given another name in the spiritual world of Wichís, but it refers to the same issue of living in harmony with wildlife. Wichís generally take a positive view of the creation of El Impenetrable National Park. Although in the last 150 years they never lived inside the former La Fidelidad farmhouse, they still maintain hunting areas in the neighborhood. These areas are very small and would not affect the fauna populations of the park. They hunt using dogs and firearms, and their primary prey are brockets, rabbits, and armadillos. In the process of creating the park the indigenous community will be involved and the possible solutions and alternatives to hunting will be assessed. This is also the case for local festivals, the use of horses and donkeys, traditional leather and fiber articles, and other types of folklore. Young people, particularly, who live in town may avoid these kinds of festivals and customs. Indigenous people have traditionally understood and depended on natural cycles. The new park offers them an opportunity to revalue their traditional knowledge and offer it as a service to visitors. Indigenous people may work as park rangers or parabiologists to perform monitoring tasks and restore wildlife

14 El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion Part III Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion The urban population, seeking to commune with nature, is the big potential constituency of the national park and its associated visitor services

15 El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion 3.1 A New Paradigm In past decades, production and conservation have been viewed as opposing notions. Today, a new paradigm of economic development imagines conservation as a consequence of production, where ecotourism and the nontimber use of forests are the most appropriate alternatives for El Impenetrable. This new paradigm is based on a production chain where wild nature is the raw material that will be turned into a recreational attraction (wildlife watching), a food product (fruits from the woodlands), or an artistic product (natural fibers) which, added to the services offered by the community public use infrastructure and services will stimulate the local economy. The primary objective is to maintain the Chaco ecosystem in good condition given its global importance for the planet s health, while also providing economic value. Given the growing demand from urban populations for a closer relationship with nature and for organic, nonindustrial products, El Impenetrable National Park and its gateway communities offer new and profitable opportunities for the future. To conserve and produce is possible. Tourism is an alternative to traditional extractive activities in the region. Additionally, it will enable the direct marketing of non-timber products such as woodland honey, carob flour, and chaguar crafts to visitors. Fox 28 29

16 El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion 3.2 An Emerging Destination El Impenetrable offers a nature experience unique in the world. Furthermore, it can interpret a broad cultural history featuring indigenous peoples, early explorers and missionaries, the Chaco Campaign, and European immigrants. El Impenetrable National Park has the potential increase tourism in northern Argentina, linking eastern destinations (Iguazú and Iberá) with Andean destinations (Salta and Jujuy), which are currently disconnected and make tourists choose one or the other. With the highest standards of public access infrastructure and interpretation, El Impenetrable National Park could become a leading destination for bird-watching and wildlife viewing, similar to iconic parks in Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Through El Impenetrable National Park, the Chaco region will serve as a tourist bridge by becoming a destination within the North corridor, between Iguazú, Iberá, Salta, and Jujuy. 30 Establishing a new tourist destination in this area will foster a natural route for tourists exploring four very particular ecosystems: Iguazú, Iberá, Impenetrable, and Puna. 31

17 El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion 3.3 Entrance Gates and Tourism Circuits Access to El Impenetrable National Park currently is from the area of La Armonía and Nueva Población. In the future, the park may be reached from the northeast through Portal del Palmar, and from the southeast via Portal de La China and Portal de Las Herramientas. The entrance gate at La Armonía may be the best access point for the visitor looking for nature, as it has a bridge for vehicles and a direct road to the central zone of the park, which has the highest degree of conservation and most wildlife. (It also accesses the old farmhouse of Estancia La Fidelidad.) Nueva Población entrance gate will better serve visitors looking for a cultural experience, as it is the meeting point between the park and two aboriginal reserves, and one of the few sites where the Wichí and Creole cultures coexist. Both entrance gates are strategically located on Bermejito River, which affords low-impact water adventures, such as canoeing or kayaking, to explore the wonderful landscape and enjoy wildlife watching. From the municipalities close to the park, visitors may explore the landscape via three vehicle-based tourism circuits: La Armonía y Centro del Parque Circuit: From Miraflores, the route goes through Las Hacheras up to La Armonía, and then back to the farmhouse. There are three options for making this journey, all returning to Miraflores. Nueva Población y Bermejito Circuit: From La Armonía, this trip travels along the scenic Bermejo River to Nueva Población; trekking can be enjoyed alongside lagoons and through woodlands in the park s southwest, reaching Nueva Pompeya. Del Palmar Circuit: From Wichí, El Pintado Ruins, located on the Teuco River, can be visited. Then, the road along the shore can be taken to Madrejón El Rebalsadero. In Pozo del Chañar, a water journey can be undertaken to travel inside the park (Portal El Palmar). Subsequently, it is possible to return to Wichí through El Colorado, or the park s boundary road can be taken to Paraje Los Pozos toward Nueva Pompeya. From Wichí, the scenic route along the Bermejo River can be taken to Sauzalito. The first and last circuits may be supplemented by a boat trip across the Bermejo River going from the Casco de la Estancia Port (La Armonía y Centro del Parque Circuit), or from the Pozo del Chañar Port (Del Palmar Circuit), navigating downstream to Toma de Agua Port. To promote boat access and guard against illegal hunting, it will be crucial to maintain roads to the river at the three points mentioned before. 32 There are three circuits that will enable tourists to enjoy diverse environments and cultural attractions in the area. 33

18 El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion The tapir is one of the mammals most easily observed in the heart of the park

19 El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion 3.4 La Armonía y Centro del Parque Circuit La Armonía is located next to the only bridge for vehicles that crosses the Bermejito River to enter El Impenetrable National Park. It has been used as a base camp by scientists and the NGOs supporting park creation, and it also hosts park rangers. At present, there is a small clinic, a school with internet access, and a kiosk. A few meters away from the bridge, we can still see the old school built in 1940, a typical palo a pique building made of posts (stuck in close together side by side), made up of palm trees and posts cut with an axe and plastered with adobe. From La Armonía, it is possible to access the main section of the park which is very well conserved and, therefore, ideal for photographic safaris and wildlife viewing. The route passes by scenic areas such as Laguna del Suri, the grassland of the Bermejo River s old riverbed (locally known as grassland caños ), and Pozo de los Yacarés. A traveler can also reach the Breal Lagoon, one of the giant The scientists and conservationists camp in La Armonía. oxbow lakes or madrejones left by the Teuco River in its capricious and changing course. Jabirus, herons, eagles, peccaries, and jaguars are only some of the species a visitor is likely to see here. On the way back, it is possible to traverse the park s southeast boundary toward Miraflores, a nearby town, from two points: next to the Teuco River, from the Breal Lagoon road going over the Corrales Lagoon, through La China Lagoon (Portal de La China). Exotic birds such as the monte goose and knobbilled duck can be seen here, as well as animals like the aguará guazú. Note that this circuit cannot be traveled following occasional summer floods. The second option is to go back closer to the Bermejito River, through Las Herramientas (Portal de Las Herramientas) on Adamis farm; this route travels more than 35 kilometers through a very well kept grassland surrounded by an extremely beautiful woodland. 36 La Armonía y Centro del Parque Circuit offers an opportunity for wildlife watching and learning about the history of the former Estancia La Fidelidad, as it passes by the farmhouse. 37

20 El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion 3.5 Nueva Población y Bermejito Circuit Nueva Población is a small, quiet settlement along the far west corner of the park where roughly 40 Creole and Wichí families live. It has a school, public library with Internet access, a primary care health clinic, and a camp where it is possible to spend the night on the shore of Bermejito River. Nueva Población is the ideal place to learn about the Impenetrable region s history including the founding of the Franciscan mission of Nueva Pompeya in 1901 and experience the cultural richness of the loal community. The families living at the site offer meals (which must be ordered in advance) and traditional crafts of leather, wool, and chaguar. Riparian or gallery forest along the Bermejito River. From the nearby town Misión Nueva Pompeya, it is possible to organize trips inside the park, to explore the Bermejito River via canoe, to experience the jungle on foot, or travel by car toward La Armonía on the historical road (El Impenetrable Scenic Route) along the park s southern boundary. Along this road, one can appreciate the Fortín Arenales, one of the remaining forts built during the Chaco Campaign, and walk the ancient road from the fort to the indigenous reserve of Misión Nueva Pompeya that was established more than a century ago. Locust forests in the so-called bolsas, which are peninsulas generated by the river bends. 38 Traveling the Bermejito River circuit is an ideal way to experience the Wichí culture and purchase leather crafts made by the Creole community. 39

21 El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion 3.6 Del Palmar Circuit The third circuit includes the northern area of the park. Starting in the towns of El Sauzalito or Wichí, the road meanders along the Teuco River, passing through the ruins of El Pintado. El Pintado is a town founded in 1912, which was destroyed by the 1983 flood. Here a traveler may enjoy the river beaches in dry seasons and the heavy river flow in rainy seasons. Moreover, one can appreciate the oxbow lakes or madrejones where the watercourse went through in the past, and some of the remaining virgin palm forests of El Impenetrable. The shore road between El Pintado and Puerto Pozo del Chañar can be driven in dry seasons. At the port, visitors may rent a boat, and it is even possible to spend the night at the site if this is arranged with the owner. Navigating the river up to Portal del Palmar takes roughly four hours by motorboat or one day by rowboat. Small farms that border the park have significantly altered the riverbank along this route. Portal del Palmar offers opportunities for wildlife watching and nature appreciation. Along the 100 kilometers of the Teuco River that passes through the park one may see tapirs or a herd of peccaries, brockets, or giant anteaters. If a traveler wishes to visit El Rebalsadero oxbow lake, they may get off the boat (on the first beach after going through the park s boundary) and walk some 5 kilometers through a forest of large palm trees. From the oxbow lake one may travel via the road bordering the park to Los Pozos (around 17 kilometers to the south), or take the road leading to El Colorado through Las Breñas and Nueva Alegría. Madrejones and palm trees. 40 The Del Palmar Circuit is recommended for exploring the Teuco River beaches and seeing large mammals. 41

22 El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion 3.7 Scenic Routes: From Humid Chaco to El Impenetrable A route may be classified as scenic when its characteristics make it valuable from a natural, recreational, or cultural viewpoint, and thus it receives a special treatment for protection and promotion. Such routes allow travelers to experience the distinctive natural and cultural features of a region. Europe has its own scenic routes connecting beautiful spots with cultural values, where restrictions are imposed on buildings and advertising in order to preserve the landscape. The Vías Verdes (Green Ways) are similar but intended for pedestrians and nonmotorized vehicles and, in many cases, were created along abandoned railways. In Argentina, Route 2, which goes along the Uruguay River to Saltos del Moconá in Misiones, is classified as a scenic route. The necessary steps are under way to similarly designate Route 40 as scenic, whereas in Corrientes there is a circuit of 1,100 kilometers ringing the Iberá wetlands, with 10 scenic roads to the provincial park there. Using the same graphic design for signage and a consistent architectural style for public use infrastructure will attract and help educate visitors. The proposed Bermejo River Scenic Route is a tourist itinerary from Villa Río Bermejito to Sauzalito. Historical Value This route may interpret key sites in regional history, such as the ancient indigenous path described in the explorations of J. Matorras, F. Arias and F. Morillo, and other explorers, which in some sections corresponds with newer roads built to the sugar mills. Other topics to highlight include how the Bermejo River affected early communication across the border with Paraguay before the war, and Chaco s Colonization Campaign, and the role of cotton production in the region s settlement. Natural Value This route provides access to El Impenetrable National Park and to the provincial parks Fuerte Esperanza and Loro Hablador. Traversing diverse landscapes such as lagoons, cardón and locust tree forests, and grasslands along the Bermejo River, much of the route is along a tranquil, treecovered road. 42 The Scenic Route along the Bermejo River, from Villa Río Bermejito to the boundaries of El Impenetrable National Park, offers travelers the best natural, cultural, and historical experience in the region. 43

23 El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion Cultural and Religious Value In Creole communities, the apparel, buildings, and attitude of inhabitants reflect their cultural practices. Local crafts, food, and folklore can be enjoyed at various stops. Indigenous peoples seek to preserve their culture in the jurisdictions that have been declared indigenous reserves, which can be visited during the circuit. Wichís can be met in Nueva Pompeya and Nueva Población, while Qom reside in Meguesoxochi. In the ruins and buildings of the Franciscan Missions of Santiago de La Cangayé, San Bernardo de Vértiz, Nueva Pompeya, and Salta s missions, the traveler may experience the intersection of important religious and historical events. Main Towns Involved Villa Río Bermejito: fishing and swimming in the Bermejo River, camping, restaurants, cottages El Espinillo (approximately 40 kilometers from Villa Río Bermejito along a dirt road): electricity, water, Internet, police station, health center, no accommodations Miraflores (second-most populous town in the same political jurisdiction): serviced by a paved road (RP 9), all typical visitor services, including an ATM Nueva Pompeya (main town of El Impenetrable region): all typical visitor services, including an ATM Wichí (40 kilometers from Sauzalito) El Sauzalito (population 3,000; 285 kilometers from Castelli) attributes: food and lodging The circuit also goes through Las Hacheras, Pozo de la Tuna, Miramar, and Palo Marcado, which do not offer any services. Neighboring Towns Fuerte Esperanza: hosts the provincial park of the same name, which protects quebracho and palo santo forests; restaurants and lodging available Comandancia Frías: located on the north bank of the Bermejito River; home to an important Wichí population Colonia Rivadavia: seat of local goverment; connected to Salta s asphalt roads through RP 13 (dirt) This road may be impassable in rainy seasons and unsafe in dry ones (dust may make it impossible to see cars pulled over or pedestrians). It needs to be improved, though not paved, as this would negatively impact willdife. Keeping the road s width to the minimum required for safety will help preserve trees and other vegetation along the roadside, offering shade and shelter to wildlife and travelers. The purpose of the Scenic Route is to foster access to the region through a circuit that preserves natural and cultural beauty, supplements the scenery of the national park, and helps visitors explore the region at their own pace

24 The Scenic Route is an ideal environment to watch big mammals, such as the peccary.

25 El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion El Impenetrable National Park Tourism: An Opportunity for Productive Reconversion 3.8 Tourism and Woodland Products 3.9 Wild Fauna Habituated to People The Impenetrable region offers many products based on its climate, soil, biodiversity, and culture. These include carob flour, aloja (an alcoholic drink made from carob fruit), tuna (cactus fruit) syrup, Cercidium praecox gum, and various kinds of crafts used daily in rural homes. The Chaco s native plants and animals provide fibers, honey, meat, fruit, as well the animals themselves to be watched or photographed. In aggregate, we propose to call these wildlife products. Developing an economy based on wildlife has many advantages. The products may be easily manufactured based on traditional knowledge, may help maintain and not hinder ecosystem integrity, and require little outside investment or significant manipulation of the landscape (except for hunting control, elimination of exotic species, and the exclusion of domestic animals including dogs). These products inherent to Chaco might be sold as unique and truly ecological products to a public that increasingly demands environmentally friendly policies. Whereas wild animals are increasingly scarce in the area, effective implementation of the national park should result in increasing wildlife populations, adding value to the whole region. Fully incorporating local residents into a program of economic development based on wildlife products will require training and participation. Tourism will be one of the main ways to market woodland products. Within the framework of expanding ecotourism, one of the main attractions possibly the most important one will be to ensure that visitors can interact with wildlife. Animals that are hunted or harrassed are wary of people and hard to see; on the contrary, if wildlife populations are not persecuted, many species become accustomed to human presence, and even the shyest animals may get close to people or their vehicles if a reasonable distance is kept and no abrupt or intimidating movements are made. Accordingly, in a few years it will be possible to walk, drive vehicles, and navigate boats some meters away from capybaras, tapirs, peccaries, foxes, monkeys, rabbits, and even jaguars, which enables a highly attractive tourist activity: photographic safaris. El Impenetrable National Park is expected to become the preeminent destination to meet Argentina s big mammals, taking its place alongside the Esteros del Iberá in Corrientes, the Pantanal in Brazil, and various national parks in Africa. Fostering wildlife watching as a tourist attraction will bring substantial benefits to local inhabitants, and particularly to Wichís, if they are trained to work as park rangers or parabiologists to perform monitoring and wildlife restoration projects in the park. The biggest attraction of the new national park will be wildlife watching. For animals to become accustomed to human presence, it will be necessary to not scare them and to keep domestic dogs out of wildlife habitat. Wildlife-related tourism (economic production ) can benefit local residents and be marketed as a unique product of the region

26 El Impenetrable National Park Necessary Short-term Projects El Impenetrable National Park Necessary Short-term Projects Part IV Necessary Short-term Projects De los Corrales Lagoon 50 51

27 El Impenetrable National Park Necessary Short-term Projects El Impenetrable National Park Necessary Short-term Projects 4.1 Implementing the Park 4.2 Perimeter Fencing To hasten the regional transformation described earlier, and advance ecological and economic progress, it will be necessary to implement certain changes regarding El Impenetrable National Park. Some of these actions will affect the everyday life of local residents, and this is why the Government of Chaco and various organizations are working to involve, train, and organize nearby communities. They are the key to encouraging and creating employment based on wildlife products and building a regional brand linked to nature conservation. Wire fencing around the park will have a dual purpose: to clearly mark the protected area boundaries and to prevent domestic livestock from entering the park. The fence will be designed to exclude cattle but allow wildlife to migrate freely. New perimeter fencing should be built along three of the four park boundaries to the northwest, from Bermejito to Teuco; to the southwest, across the Bermejito; and to the southeast, between Bermejito and Teuco. Along the northeastern and southeastern borders there is already wire fencing that was built by the previous owners of the property. In the Bermejito River area, numerous families live next to the park and need access to the river to water their livestock. Here the wire fence should be constructed at a distance similar to that established by these producers when fencing their own properties, 30 meters away from the shore. This distance is sufficient to ensure free navigation, to allow access to water, and to start restoring the native vegetation along the river. Periodic gates in the wire fence should be constructed so that the neighbors may, during the park s implementation, enter the protected area in emergencies, for example in case of fire, or to look for lost animals. It is estimated that building the perimeter fence will take approximately one year. Local workers should be hired to benefit from the jobs that will be created. Posters from a public campaign to highlight El Impenetrable s many values. Perimeter fencing will mark park boundaries and prevent cattle from entering the protected area

28 El Impenetrable National Park Necessary Short-term Projects El Impenetrable National Park Necessary Short-term Projects 4.3 Livestock Management 4.4 Obtaining Titles to Property At present, it is estimated that approximately 3,000 cows enter and forage within the national park daily. Cattle grazing has a negative effect on the park s grasslands, forests, and waters; livestock should not remain in the park, as domestic animals threaten the mission of preserving native species and natural processes. Moreover, El Impenetrable National Park will be successful as a tourist attraction only if it ensures wild animal watching, which in turn depends on a protected landscape. To achieve economic diversification, local communities will need support and training from the State. The provincial government of Chaco is currently designing a policy aimed at improving livestock production in order to maximize gains and reduce negative effects, which implies a lower number of better quality animals. Toward this end, local agricultural producers might delimit paddocks and reduce stocking levels, increase the quality of fodder (ideally starting with native grasses), build water sources, improve livestock genetics, and develop better markets for their animals. There are no settlers, either Creole or indigenous people, living inside the park, but of the park s neighbors, less than 10 percent hold legal titles to their property. The Colonization Institute is providing the necessary assistance for local residents to obtain such titles. Once the applications for titles are received, the provincial government verifies in situ how inhabitants use the land (in parcels of hectares), determines whether the Colonization Law requirements are met and, if so, awards the land to the applicant. To complete the transaction and receive title to property, inhabitants must pay the government for the land at a discounted cost, measure it, and make promised improvements related to its reported use. Third-party institutions may accelerate the process by helping train residents to use GPS and other tools, advise inhabitants on the administrative procedure and the alternatives offered by the government and NGOs to settlers and indigenous people, and follow up on legal records as applicable. Holding legal title to property will help foster harmonious relations between the national park and its neighbors. Local residents will be guaranteed control over their property. Livestock producers wishing to change their business and become engaged in tourism or woodland products should receive the necessary support. Neighboring residents will be assisted to obtain title to their property. Becoming the legal owners of their land will help neighbors foster a harmonious relationship with the park

29 El Impenetrable National Park Necessary Short-term Projects El Impenetrable National Park Necessary Short-term Projects 4.5 Strategic Places to Protect and Enhance Studies carried out since 2013 have identified many places within and around El Impenetrable where special management may enhance the park s natural and cultural values. Foremost is the old farmhouse, built in 1907, on the shore of the Teuco River. The building is well suited for visitor accommodations and activities. It still has useful infrastructure, such as a radio tower and several paths connecting the farmhouse to other notable features of the park, such as Breal Lagoon and the entrance bridge. Other strategic places are the communities of Nueva Población and La Armonía, which offer significant potential for developing tourist-related activities and services. It is crucial to build good relations with these neighbors on the shore of the Bermejito River including residents who might see their traditional activities affected by the park s creation and also to control the traffic on Route 9 adjacent to the park. Because these communities are highly accessible and have basic infrastructure already, they are ideal places to become gateways to the park, offering tourist information and hosting administrative offices for El Impenetrable. Protection and monitoring of the park s Teuco River frontage is also fundamental, as it is the only boundary that should not be fenced and is used today by hunters illegally entering the park. River access should be guaranteed in at least three places guarded by park rangers, to foster tourist activities and control entry to the park via the river. These could include: 1) Water access near Portal del Palmar. This area has not been thoroughly surveyed but apparently is well preserved. Access is complicated due to the periodic flooding. The possibility of connecting the road leading to Madrejón El Rebalsadero to the road coming from the park s boundary from Los Pozos should be explored. 2) Water access near La China Lagoon. This area is ideal for bird-watching. It is possible to promote tourist activities in line with the livestock activities undertaken by the families who live there. The river is only 5 kilometers away from the lagoon, which would enable a second port near the current water intake, getting from Route 28 in Formosa, and Los Corrales Lagoon. Eventually the new national park should have permanent presence and infrastructure administrative offices and/ or ranger stations in at least six strategic points, apart from Miraflores: Nueva Pompeya, Nueva Población, the former estancia farmhouse, Portal del Palmar (near the park s northernmost boundary along the Teuco River), and two other points along the southeast boundary. The first one would be near Formosa s water intake (Portal de La China) and the second one near the Adamis farm or Portal de Las Herramientas, both alternative exits to Miraflores. In Miraflores, the main administrative center of El Impenetrable National Park will soon be built on land that has already been donated for such purposes by the Municipality. 3) Water access at the farmhouse of the old Estancia, which is presently in use. Del Breal Lagoon 56 57

30 El Impenetrable National Park Institute for Wildlife and Culture El Impenetrable National Park Institute for Wildlife and Culture Part V Institute for Wildlife and Culture The jabiru, one of the emblematic large birds of the region

31 El Impenetrable National Park Institute for Wildlife and Culture El Impenetrable National Park Institute for Wildlife and Culture 5.1 Description of the Proposed Institute 5.2 Fire Management Creating an institute to foster the national park s development and support local initiatives in ecolocalism would help accelerate regional conservation efforts. The institute s priority tasks would be to assist wildlife research and monitoring, ecological restoration, and the expansion of traditional cultural practices of the Wichís and Creole people that are in line with nature-based economic development. Some of the main courses of action that should be promoted are: flora and fauna inventory; grasslands restoration; recovery of populations of jaguar, quebracho crested tinamou, magellanic woodpecker, and other species related to mature forests and grasslands; reintroduction of guanaco and other extirpated species; prescribed burning; elimination of donkey and domestic swine; exclusion of cattle and dogs from the park; and studies on traditional knowledge including building construction, wild food gathering, wildlife tracking, hunting, healing, and other cultural practices. Until recently, El Impenetrable had sizeable grasslands combined with forests of quebrachos, locust trees, and palo santos. These grassland savannas, which supported species such as the guanaco and pampas deer (which are now regionally extinct), resulted from changes in the river courses, periodic wildfire, and grazing by native herbivore populations. Approximately 15,000 years ago, these grasslands hosted giant mammals that became extinct when humans reached the Americas; those species likely played a significant role in the evolution and maintenance of grasslands. With the introduction of domestic animals, the native grasses were gradually displaced by woody shrubs until the grasslands virtually disappeared. Currently, this natural community type persists in the so-called caños, the ancient beds of the Bermejo River which host a specific fauna and flora, with species of high conservation value. Well-managed burning is an ally of grasslands in tropical zones, as it maintains the necessary conditions of light and space for their propagation, delaying the growth in trees and shrubs in the areas of ecotone with forests. Researching the best conditions for periodic burning can inform how this crucial tool is used to recover the highly threatened grasslands, and thereby sustain their biodiversity. Unfortunately, prescribed fire is not a sufficient tool in areas already filled with woody vegetation. There will be specific cases where it will be necessary to extract timber using machinery to recover sites with a high conservation value, which will later be maintained with scheduled burning. The creation of an institute for conservation and culture would help restore the landscape and recover imperiled species. It would also help support ecolocalism nature-friendly cultural practices. Prescribed burning is necessary to recover grassland habitat threatened by woody shrub invasion

32 El Impenetrable National Park Institute for Wildlife and Culture El Impenetrable National Park Institute for Wildlife and Culture 5.3 Controlling Nonnative Species 5.4 Reintroducing Extirpated Species Controlling and where possible eradicating nonnative and invasive species is another necessary step for the full recovery of the Impenetrable ecosystem. Exotic flora and fauna compete with native wild species for resources such as water, which is very scarce in this ecosystem. Moreover, domestic animals negatively affect the landscape, changing soils and water systems as a result of trampling, and destroying understory vegetation with excessive browsing. Specifically, in El Impenetrable National Park it will be necessary to eliminate donkeys and cattle, which are found in substantial numbers in every sector of the park. Employing the moderate grazing pressure of domestic goats may be acceptable in restoration projects, but it is essential to start managing species that are extremely detrimental to the ecosystem, including domestic swine, which are already found at the margins of the park. Dogs must be absolutely forbidden, as they greatly affect the behavior of, and sometimes kill, wild fauna. The presence of dogs directly threatens the park s wildlife viewing potential and associated ecotourism development. The forested habitat within El Impenetrable National Park currently enjoys a satisfactory conservation status, without any grave threat of invasive species. Nevertheless, the presence of domestic livestock represents a potential for introducing and scattering nonnative weeds, as animals eat these plants outside the park but distribute their seeds via their feces while in the protected area. This is another problem posed by feral livestock. Many experiments have been conducted and advances have been made in reintroducing extirpated species, particularly in North America, Europe, and Africa. In some instances, such as during the creation and restoration of Pilanesbergen National Park in South Africa, an ecosystem s large mammal biota must be entirely reassembled. There, some 6,000 animals were reintroduced in less than a year. Strategies included perimeter fencing, anti-poaching efforts, and breeding endangered species such as the black rhinoceros. In South America, there are few cases of ecosystem restoration (Esteros del Iberá is one prominent example), mainly because conservationists have focused on protecting largely intact ecosystems. The advance of the agricultural frontier has now fragmented most large intact wild habitats; large areas devoted to industrial agriculture effectively are biodiversity deserts, and act as barriers, preventing the natural recolonization of missing species from populations sustained in parks and reserves. El Impenetrable National Park maintains much of its native wildlife, but no longer has guanacos and pampas deer and, if some conditions persist, the jaguar will soon become extirpated also. Conducting a detailed study to identify the native species that formerly populated the area which are no longer found, together with the reasons for their loss, is a top priority. Reintroducing missing species while avoiding unintended negative effects on the ecosystem will take careful planning and implementation in the coming years and decades. To protect the landscape and ensure high-quality nature tourism, nonnative flora and fauna such as feral donkeys should be eradicated. Teuco River 62 63

33 El Impenetrable National Park Institute for Wildlife and Culture El Impenetrable National Park Institute for Wildlife and Culture Green lizard 64 65

34 El Impenetrable National Park Institute for Wildlife and Culture El Impenetrable National Park Institute for Wildlife and Culture 5.5 Predator Recovery Formerly, jaguars were found in many regions of Argentina, from Patagonia to the North. However, after decades of illegal hunting and habitat destruction, the population is dramatically reduced. Currently, jaguars occupy less than 10 percent of their former range. Only three small populations, all isolated, remain in the North: in the Yunga jungles of Salta and Jujuy, in the Atlantic forest in Misiones, and in the dry Chaco forest region occupying parts of Chaco, Formosa, and certain areas of Salta and Santiago del Estero provinces. All the jaguar populations have less than 200 animals. El Impenetrable has the smallest and most threatened population. Scientists have estimated that only 20 jaguars remain in the entire Chaco region, and that this population is highly threatened with extinction. Jaguars are the biggest felids found in America, followed by the puma. They feed on other animals to survive and are called top predators because, as they hunt, they regulate the populations of all the species of the ecosystem below them in the food chain. When top predators are removed from an ecosystem, a trophic cascade effect is produced that is, ecological effects may ripple through the ecosystem, affecting many species of plants and animals. For example, when the jaguar or puma is not present, herbivore populations frequently increase dramatically, Jaguar which has an effect on the vegetation subjected to increased grazing pressure. This is also the case of smaller predators, like foxes, Geoffroy s cats, and skunks: as their main predator and competitor is not present, they tend to increase and have a greater influence on the ecosystem and on their own prey, such as mice and birds. In this way, a misbalance is produced in the whole forest, with unexpected effects. In addition to hunting and habitat loss, predators are also threatened by the lack of their natural prey, which include peccaries, gray brockets, hairy armadillos, rabbits, and others. In general, these species are targeted for human consumption also and thus their populations may be suppressed. When the jaguar s and puma s wild prey is scarce, these felines start to prey mainly on calves or old or ill animals that can be easily hunted, or goats, in the case of the puma. If wild prey is abundant, conflicts between people and large carnivores can be minimized because jaguars and pumas will have no need to approach houses to hunt for domestic livestock. In the meantime, as a preventive measure, goatherding dogs (which are very effective) should be used to deter pumas from coming close to livestock pastures, and domestic animals should be prevented from entering protected woodlands, where pumas are more likely to find them. It is important that livestock sheds be kept closed all night, leaving goat-herding dogs inside so that when the puma gets close, the dogs may bark and alert people. The puma Puma will be discouraged by the noise and lights and will undoubtedly return to the woodland. Another effective alarm used by some Creole people is geese, which make considerable noise when they see a puma

35 El Impenetrable National Park Future Strategies El Impenetrable National Park Future Strategies Part VI Future Strategies Sunset on the Bermejo River

36 El Impenetrable National Park Future Strategies El Impenetrable National Park Future Strategies 6.1 Park s Extension to Formosa, an Urgent Action The land comprising the former Estancia La Fidelidad was proposed as a national park due to its biodiversity and largely robust ecosystem health. The property s considerable size, which makes it a quality refuge for animals that are more sensitive to human activities, and the bordering Teuco and Bermejito Rivers, whose floods and dry seasons have always protected life in the whole region, are valuable attributes. To fully preserve the new park and its wildlife, it is necessary that conservation restrictions not merely extend to the Teuco River but cover both shores, to help sustain wildlife and water quality. Moreover, it is worth considering the shifting course of the riverbeds over time. As years go by, both the terrestrial and aquatic habitat will change along the 100 kilometers of Teuco River frontage in the park. Consequently, this park boundary buffer area should initially be declared Teuco Provincial Reserve, and its forests should be mapped. Thereafter a strategy should be developed to gradually purchase or expropriate these lands for their eventual incorporation into El Impenetrable National Park or an adjacent provincial park. Urgent action by citizens, NGOs, and the Formosa provincial government to safeguard this remaining wild path of the Teuco River is needed. If Formosa is able to quickly protect its natural resources and landscapes, it will have the opportunity to also benefit from this emerging tourist destination at El Impenetrable. Female cinereous tyrant 70 71

37 El Impenetrable National Park Future Strategies El Impenetrable National Park Future Strategies 6.2 The Two Corridors of El Impenetrable From the air, the dry Chaco forest is seen as the most expansive in Argentina, connected through Formosa and Salta to the Bolivian and Paraguayan Chaco. An aerial viewpoint easily shows why conservation is key to the free movement of wild fauna in the whole country. El Impenetrable National Park is a crucial link in two important green corridors proposed by the National Parks Administration: a vertical corridor extending from northern Argentina and ensuring habitat connectivity with neighbor countries forests, and an oblique corridor, across the Bermejo River, joining the dry Chaco and wet Chaco forest regions. Within the so-called North Corridor El Impenetrable would be included in the imaginary line coming down from Bañado de la Estrella, through the national park lands (including both riverbanks, not only the national park side), linking with the provincial parks Fuerte Esperanza and Loro Hablador, then extending to Copo National Park and its buffer zone in Santiago del Estero. This corridor must contain the Mowitob Aboriginal Reserve, together with Fuerte Esperanza Provincial Park to the northwest, which might enable a parallel wildlife corridor to connect Formosa National Reserve and the Riacho Teuquito Biosphere Reserve; these protected areas already exist but are isolated from other conserved lands in the region. The second corridor, called Interfluvio, is made up of Chaco National Park, Pampa del Indio Provincial Natural Park, the private reserves known as Specially Protected Zones for Multiple Use, other private property and land reserved for aboriginal communities, such as the Megesoxochi Aboriginal Reserve. Both corridors are fundamental to connect populations of animals from the various provinces and countries, ensuring genetic diversity and the possibility of recovery in case of local extinction. It should be noted that the implementation of these habitat corridors depends strongly on the decisions of indigenous peoples. Being able to add green corridors to aboriginal reserves, such as Meguesoxochi (Qom), Nueva Pompeya (Wichí), or the projected Mowitob reserve, through a well-considered and consensual decision-making process about land use, is key to the future of the region. 72 A regional conservation vision includes two important green corridors: a vertical corridor linking Argentina s North with neighbor countries forests, and an oblique corridor, across the Bermejo River, joining dry Chaco and wet Chaco forest regions. 73

38 El Impenetrable National Park Future Strategies El Impenetrable National Park Future Strategies Howler monkeys 6.3 The Importance of the Bermejo Basin Rivers are key to the distribution of fauna and flora throughout the dry Chaco forest. Species such as howler monkeys, neotropical river otters, maned wolves, coatis, and ferrets depend on the waterways. This is why the Bermejo basin is extremely important as a green corridor: water guarantees life in an arid environment like the dry Chaco. Over the centuries, the meandering course of the Teuco and Bermejito Rivers has created large areas of land that are isolated by water. In rainy times when the volume of water increases, the land between the rivers becomes a large island starting in Orán, in Salta, and reaching Fortín Lavalle, in Chaco. This water system is unique; for thousands of kilometers, no dams or bridges impair the flow, and the rivers are free to change the landscape of the plains, depositing silt during regular flooding. In addition to the main watercourses, the rivers floodplains constitute a water reserve in times of drought; they form a complex system of temporary riverbeds and wetland lagoons, replenishing groundwater, and making a vital if little-understood contribution to the Panamá basin. This expansive water network, particularly along the Bermejito River, is increasingly threatened by development associated with industrial agriculture. It is necessary to ensure the water flow throughout its whole course, as it is crucial for wildlife and for the Creole and indigenous families of the area. The Bermejo River s ecological and cultural value is so exceptional that the river should be honored as a World Heritage site or similar designation that recognizes its global importance. Permanent conservation protections for the river should assure effective planning and the responsible use of water, prevent deforestation in its headwaters, and conserve riparian gallery forests along its length as a joint action between the provinces of Salta, Jujuy, Chaco, and Formosa. River otter The river s riparian zone is a magical place, where the biggest trees and animals not seen elsewhere are found. The Bermejo River is so important that a special protection category should be granted to it

39 El Impenetrable National Park Additional Information El Impenetrable National Park Additional Information Part VII Additional Information Broad-snouted caiman and brown brocket

40 El Impenetrable National Park Additional Information El Impenetrable National Park Additional Information 7.1 People Involved in the Implementation of El Impenetrable National Park In January of 2011, when the owner of the Estancia La Fidelidad was killed, protecting this extraordinary property became a matter of the utmost urgency. The proposal to repatriate the private estancia lands to the public by creating El Impenetrable National Park received a groundswell of support. The provincial government of Chaco, the National Parks Administration, all of Argentina s major environmental NGOs, numerous private businesses, and many individuals have worked to secure this outstanding new protected area in the Argentine North. The former estancia lands officially became a Reserve of Natural Resources after the enactment of Law No in The Under-Secretariat of Natural Resources, which oversees parks and reserves in the province of Chaco, has kept a team of park rangers patrolling the area since December Based on an agreement signed with the Under-Secretariat of Natural Resources, since August 2012 the Conservation Land Trust (CLT) has worked in the area providing logistical support to the institutions and organizations involved in park creation. CLT is working with local communities to promote ecotourism and related local development, and donated a significant portion of the funds required to file the necessary land expropriation proceedings. Since early 2013, the National Parks Administration has provided ongoing support to the project, including sending park rangers from all around the country to assist efforts developed by the Under-Secretariat to monitor wildlife and implement the protections established by the Reserves Law. In June 2014, a national park ranger was assigned to the new El Impenetrable National Park, stationed in Miraflores until possession of the former estancia is acquired. Once the court system formally grants possession of the land to the province of Chaco, provincial and national park rangers shall be in charge of taking care of the site. Since 2011, when the process to protect the zone began, various organizations have been working on fauna monitoring and promoting ecotourism together with the neighbors. CLT, pursuant to an agreement signed with the Under-Secretariat of Natural Resources of Chaco, provides the necessary logistic support. Many activists and NGOs have been key collaborators in the park effort: Fundación Banco de Bosques has been crucially involved in this project from its origins, organizing communication campaigns, raising funds, and publicly introducing the initiative. Fundación Mempo Giardinelli has spearheaded the efforts of NGOs in the province of Chaco to safeguard El Impenetrable s cultural and natural heritage. Asociación Civil CeIBA has conducted mammal studies in the park and advised governmental officials. Aves Argentinas is assisting with bird surveys and Red Yaguareté is an expert advisor on jaguar conservation. Additional NGO partners include Fundación Habitat y Desarrollo, Fundación Gran Chaco, Fundación Félix de Azara, Fundación Vida Silvestre, Fundación ProYungas, Fundación Flora y Fauna Argentina, Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Fundación Encuentro por la Vida, Greenpeace, Fundapaz, Los que se van, Avina, Centro Mandela, SAREM, ACEN, Fundación Cambio Democrático, and Fundación Naturaleza para el Futuro

41 El Impenetrable National Park Additional Information El Impenetrable National Park Additional Information 7.2 Timeline of the National Park: Legal Background of Its Creation Provincial Level: National Level: Legal Proceedings for the Expropriation of Estancia La Fidelidad: Decree 1661, enacted on August 23, 2011, includes Estancia La Fidelidad in the highest protection category of the Ley de Bosques, the law governing forest use and conservation. Law In July 2011, the province of Chaco enacted Law No by which it created the Reserve of Natural Resources La Fidelidad, including the total surface of the estancia within this jurisdiction, roughly 148,903 hectares. Law In December 2011, Law No was passed to declare public interest in the Reserve and establish its expropriation. The expropriation does not include approximately 20,000 hectares that have been destined for transfer to local residents. Law 7317, enacted in December 2013, transfers to the National State jurisdiction over the real property expropriated by Law No. 6928, intended for the creation of a national park within the framework of Law No governing national parks, natural monuments, and national reserves. It also sets forth that the title to the real property shall be transferred once the expropriation is completed in court. Senate Senator Eduardo Aguilar brought forward a bill to accept the jurisdiction assigned by the province of Chaco and create El Impenetrable National Park. In May 2014, the bill was approved unanimously, first at a meeting of Senate committees and afterward by the Senate. Chamber of Deputies In June 2014, the bill was introduced in the Chamber of Deputies under File No. 35-S-14. The bill was brought before three committees: General Legislation (head); Natural Resources; and Budget and Finance. The bill was passed by Congress in October With its passage, El Impenetrable National Park, of 128,000 hectares, was added to Argentina s national park system. In December 2013, the province of Chaco, through the State s Attorney, filed legal proceedings for the expropriation of the farm La Fidelidad, against the heirs of the Roseo brothers. The action was filed in the Court of Original Jurisdiction in Civil and Commercial Matters of Castelli, pursuant to the steps set forth by Law No governing expropriations in Chaco. The judge ordered that a copy of the complaint be served upon all the claimants of the estate in the succession proceedings of Manuel Roseo pending in the same court, and that they be provided with a term to answer the complaint. As there is no effective title to property (because there are many heirs claiming the estate), Law No enables the judge to deliver possession to the province by paying the assessed value of the property. The assessed value is approximately 10.5 million Argentine pesos. Various NGOs have organized fundraising campaigns. Around 2.7 million pesos were obtained from private companies, including Danone, and private individuals. The rest of the funds have been donated or pledged by the Conservation Land Trust. As soon as the ruling acknowledging the legal heirs (defining the owners of the farm) is issued, the amount of $53,500,000 shall be paid to reach the sum estimated by the Provincial Board of Assessments of the province of Chaco. This amount can be questioned by the involved parties. Once the dispute is solved in court, the final payment shall be made to complete the expropriation and transfer the property to the Republic of Argentina. This process may take years. In the meantime, the property must be managed and safeguarded (as granted by the judge) by the Under-Secretariat of Natural Resources of Chaco, through its park rangers and oversight of the National Parks Administration

42 El Impenetrable National Park Additional Information El Impenetrable National Park Additional Information Flock of blue-crowned parakeets

43 El Impenetrable National Park Additional Information El Impenetrable National Park Additional Information 7.3 Contact Details 84 Environmental Reports and Actions: Pedro Nuñez CLT (Corrientes): (03624) , Gustavo Solís CLT (Corrientes): (03794) , Sofía Heinonen CLT (Iberá): (03782) , Riccardo Tiddi CLT (Nueva Población): (03644) , Emiliano Ezcurra Banco de Bosques (Buenos Aires): (011) , Dirección Nacional de Fauna (Buenos Aires): (011) /8534/8550 Guillermo Lier APN Guardaparque PN El Impenetrable (Miraflores) (03644) Sergio Arias Valdecantos APN Intendencia PN Chaco: (03725) Gendarmería de Sáenz Peña: (03644) Policía de Miraflores: Public phone booth: (03644) Ivana Ghione CeDePro (Nueva Pompeya): (03624) Marisa Pizzi Secretaria de Agricultura Familiar (Nueva Pompeya): (03715) Jaguar-related matters: Verónica Quiroga CeIBA (Iguazú): (03757) , Cellphone: (03757) , Nicolás Lodeiro Ocampo Red Yaguareté (Buenos Aires), Press: Marian Labourt CLT (Buenos Aires): (011) , Emiliano Ezcurra Banco de Bosques (Buenos Aires): (011) , Paula Soneira Subsecretaría de Recursos Naturales Chaco (Resistencia): (03794) , Riccardo Tiddi CLT (Nueva Población): (03644) , Fundación Mempo Giardinelli José María Paz 355, (3500) Resistencia, Chaco: (03624) , Research and Monitoring: Paula Soneira Subsecretaría de Recursos Naturales Chaco (Resistencia): (03794) , Verónica Quiroga CeIBA (Iguazú): (03757) , Cellphone (03757) , Lucas Damer Aves Argentinas (Nueva Población): Bs. As. cellphone (011) , Tourism: Rubén Lucas INTA/INAI, Turismo Comunidad Wichí (Nueva Pompeya): (03644) Karina Segovia Instituto de Turismo del Chaco (Nueva Pompeya): (03715) Hernán Ramírez ProDeAr, Turismo Comunitario (Resistencia): (03624) Edgar Rojas Comisión de Familias Criollas Nueva Población: (03644) Raúl Palavecino Camping Los Algarrobos (Nueva Población): (03644) Bus to Resistencia: Grupo Plaza, Ersa, El Pulqui and Flecha Bus Bus to Miraflores: Rápido Tata Hotels: Hotel Emanuel (Miraflores): (0364) Collared peccary Hotel Clemente (Nueva Pompeya): (03715) / (03644) Residencial Oasis (Nueva Pompeya): (03715)

44 El Impenetrable National Park Additional Information El Impenetrable National Park Additional Information 7.4 Acknowledgments Dedicated to all who have contributed to the birth of El Impenetrable National Park Creating El Impenetrable National Park has been a participatory process, involving the greatest number of interested parties in the history of Argentina s protected areas. This democratic action for nature conservation should be remembered and expanded as citizens of Argentina and around the Earth are inspired to help protect parks and wildlife. When this national park idea was suggested to the Government of Chaco, it was proposed that it rely on broad-based fundraising donations of one, two, or ten pesos from individuals so that every Argentinean or foreign visitor may become a hero, contributor and promoter of a beautiful and diverse Argentina. National parks reflect the best of our country extraordinary places that interpret our common history and provide unforgettable experiences of communion with wild nature. Our children and grandchildren will get to experience these places (such as Iguazú Falls or Perito Moreno Glacier), will come to know what a tapir, jaguar, vicuña, or locust tree is, will see native fauna and flora which would otherwise disappear from our collective memory if conservationists did not work to protect their habitat. Certain parts of the landscape should be protected forever to preserve their beauty and wildness. During the multiyear effort to create El Impenetrable National Park, hundreds of thousands of people contributed in some way, and their pesos have helped purchase the land for the new protected area. Not all can be acknowledged, but here we list some of the individuals and organizations that assisted. We thank everyone who participated in the park s formation; all of us are responsible for it. ABB Abel Fleita ACEN Administración de Parques Nacionales Agustín Noriega Agustín Paviolo Agustina Gestoso Alba Silva Alecio Soraire Alejandro Brown Alejandro Hernández Alexandra Buitrago Guacaneme Ana Di Pangracio Andrea Michelson Andrés Abecasis Andrés Napoli Andrés Toch APN Asociación Comunitaria Wichí de Nueva Población Astrid Sanguinetti Atlantikayaks Avelina Brown Aves Argentinas AXA S.A. Axel Banco Ciudad Banco de Bosques Banco Hipotecario Bárbara Gasparri Bernardo Lartigau Betina Friedrich Bimbo Blog Los que se van Cabelma Cacho Cuevas Cacique Camila Chebez Capilatis Carla Buono Carlos March Carlos Maslaton Carlos y Patricio Pinto Cecilia Lutufyan CeIBA / Proyecto Yaguareté Cerro Vanguardia Charles de Ganay Chele Martinez Chope Leiva Ciudad Universitaria Claudia Orjuela Claudio Bertonatti Clorox Club Olimpia de Nueva Población Coco Fuentealba Coco Tapia Colegio Almafuerte Comisión de Familias Criollas de Nueva Población Comuna 2 CABA Comunidad Wichí Congreso de la Nación Coro de Niños de Machagai Craft / Mondelez Creando un Parque Nacional en La Fidelidad (Facebook) Cristian Schneider Cristina Di Pietro Cristina Miguens Cruz del Sur Cuarteto Clásico de Cuerdas de Mendoza Cynthia Perkins Cynthia Taylor Daniel Anelli Daniel Crosta Daniel Ramos Daniel Sandoval Diego Miguens Diego Moreno Diego Olivera Dirección de Fauna de la Nación Direct TV Douglas y Kristine Tompkins Dread Mar I Eduardo Aguilar Eduardo Haene Elena Moreira Emiliano Ezcurra Emprendia Enrique Meyer Enzo Buono Ernst&Young Esteban Gutiérrez Etherea Expreso Demonte Expreso El Romina Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria Fargo FARN Fernando Caballero Fernando Miñarro Flavia Caruso Lombardi Ford Francisco Rebollo Paz Franco Behrens Fundación Danone Fundación de Historia Natural Félix de Azara Fundación Huésped Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina Gabriel Boaglio Gail Scriven General Electric Gobierno de la Provincia del Chaco Greenpeace Grupo ASSA Guardaparques Nacionales Guardaparques Provinciales Gustavo Aparicio Hernán Giardini Hernán Ramírez Hibu / Páginas Amarillas Horacio Córdoba Horacio Duk Hubert Gosse Hugo Alfredo Martínez IBS UNaM CONICET Instituto de Colonización del Chaco Instituto de Turismo del Chaco Ivana Ghione Javier Heredia Jenny Bazan Jorge Capitanich Jorge Vartparonian Jose Fonrouge Jose Gabriel Ruiz Díaz José Luis Martínez Martí Juan Carlos Chebez Juan Carr Juan María Raggio Juan Pablo Costa Juan Paul Juan Ramón Díaz Colodrero Juana Galván Juanita Viale Julie Fortabat Kevin Johansen La Caja La Meridional Lautaro Chebez La Voz del Chaco Loreley Gaffoglio Lorena Pérez Lucas Damer Lucas Telli Luis Landriscina Luis Pavesio Luis Velázquez Marcelo Viñas Margarita Carlés Margarita Perkins Maria Eugenia Di Paola Maria Inés Pilatti Vergara María Teresa Morresi Marian Labourt Mariano Domínguez Mariano Masariche Mariano Mogni Marina Aizen Mario Di Bitetti Mario Frivero Mario Rodríguez Marisa Pizzi Marisi López Marta Rodríguez Martín Fuentealba Martín Wain Matías Martin Mauro Senger Mazama Mempo Giardinelli Mesa de Asociaciones Campesinas 10 de Marzo Micaela Camino Miguel Aquino Miguel Brunswig Miguel Reynal Ministerio de Infraestructura y Servicios Públicos del Chaco Ministerio de la Producción del Chaco Murga Los Colifates Museo Saavedra / Vecinos por la Ecología Nicolás Lodeiro Ocampo Norberto Nigro Novotel P&G Pablo Nazar Pablo Vagliente Parque Natural Municipal Ribera Norte Pascual Pérez Patricio Fiorito Paula Soneira Pedro Cáceres Pedro Friedrich Pedro Núñez Pezcalandia Pilkington Automotive Argentina Pipo Vera ProDeAR PROGANO Proyecto Pura Vida Ramón Vargas Red Comunidades Rurales Red Yaguareté Revista El Molino Revista Weekend Rodolfo Mancuello Rodrigo Fariña Rodrigo Ocampo Rolando Hanglin Rossana Acquasanta Ruben Digilio Rubén Merle SAMEEP Santiago D Alessio Seba Ibarra Sebastian Cirignoli Sergio Arias Valdecantos Sergio Elguezábal Sergio Federovisky Sergio Giovoglanian Silvina García Guevara Sofitel Soledad Sede Sonia Renison St George s College Susana Parejas Sylvina Madero Tata Rápido Teresita Iturralde Ternium / Siderar Tipoiti S.A. Tonka Tonolec Topo Raiman Trois Fourmis Unilever Tortuguitas UNITAN VASA Vidriería Argentina S.A. Vialidad Provincial Victoria Bianco Villavicencio Wunderman Yamil Di Bianco Young & Rubicam 86 87

45 El Impenetrable National Park Additional Information El Impenetrable National Park Additional Information A group of capybara

46 Main photography: Juan Ramón Díaz Colodrero Additional photography: Carla Buono, Miguel Gheringhelli, Ivana Ghione, Sofía Heinonen, Teresita Iturralde, Lorena López, Jorge Mazzochi, Eliseo Miciu, Cristian Schneider, and Riccardo Tiddi

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