| Project Detail |
The Santa Fe Provinces Biodiversity for Climate Action project aims to preserve the exceptional biodiversity of wetlands and the Paraná River Valley, through the expansion and strengthening of protected area management and the development of environmental education centers in several cities. This is the first non-sovereign loan (without a central government guarantee) made to an Argentine province and AFDs first 100% biodiversity project in Latin America.
CONTEXT
In Argentina, the Province of Santa Fe is crossed by a dense and complex network of wetlands and waterways, including the Paraná River, which forms the eastern boundary of the Province, over more than 800 km. The Paraná River Valley is home to more than 600 species of birds, numerous species of mammals and a significant aquatic fauna.
It is a complex ecosystem that plays an important role in regulating water and nutrient cycles, and providing food, shelter and breeding sites for many species. Wetlands also play a vital role in reducing the risks of fire and drought to which the Province is subject.
However, the majority of the provincial protected areas of Santa Fe have insufficient infrastructure and currently do not have a management plan or dedicated personnel (eco-guards).
Furthermore, the Province of Santa Fe is more oriented towards the interior of its lands than towards the coast of the Paraná River and has not valued its natural resources. The project represents the opportunity for a real transition towards a Province preserving its biodiversity and valuing its natural resources.
DESCRIPTION
The main objective of the project is to preserve and strengthen the conservation of biodiversity in the Province of Santa Fe, as an action for climate change and for the diversification of the economic resources of the province.
Three specific objectives were defined:
Expand and strengthen the management of protected areas in the province through the development of appropriate infrastructure, equipment and management means such as the training of eco-guards;
The creation of Climate Innovation Centers (CIC) in several key cities in the province and contributing to citizen awareness;
Redevelop the “La Esmeralda” wildlife rescue center in the city of Santa Fe. |
