The Córdoba Environmental Forum presented a letter to Governor Martín Llaryora requesting precise information regarding the situation of the La Calera Defense Reserve.
They seek certainty about “journalistic versions” indicating that the Province could receive lands from the site, currently owned by the Nation, as a form of payment for the pension debt.
The NGO also warned about rumors suggesting that these lands could be destined for potential real estate development. This has raised strong concerns among social and environmental organizations in the region.
The La Calera Defense Natural Reserve, a key ecosystem
The Forum highlighted that the reserve covers more than 11,000 hectares, recognized by the National Parks Administration as one of the largest continuous native forest areas in good conservation status in the Greater Córdoba.
“This ecosystem is critical as a water regulator in a semi-arid province with recurrent water crises,” warned the organization.
La Calera Defense Reserve. (Photo: Wikipedia).
Likewise, they expressed concern about the possible disaffection of the reserve for real estate projects. This, they specified, would endanger the preservation of native forests, the regulation of watercourses, and equitable access to a healthy environment for communities.
Request for information and transparency
The presentation by the Environmental Forum recalled that access to environmental information is a right guaranteed by the National and Provincial Constitutions.
In addition to the existence of specific regulations such as the General Environment Law (25,675), the Law on Free Access to Environmental Information (25,831), and the Provincial Environmental Policy Law (10,208).
In this context, the Provincial Government was asked to clarify if there are negotiations with the Nation for the transfer of the lands and, if so, what would be the destiny of those lands.
The Forum urged the Province to respond within legal deadlines, emphasizing the importance of maximum transparency and the need to prioritize the protection of Córdoba’s natural heritage over “short-term interests,” guaranteeing the rights of future generations.
The situation of the reserve. (Photo: Environmental press room).
Current situation of the lands
The fields of the La Calera Defense Reserve are property of the Army. They are located between the city of Córdoba, the highway to Carlos Paz, the San Roque dam, and the city of La Calera.
For over a decade, these lands have been declared a Defense Natural Reserve due to their military areas status. This legal status prevents their use for industrial or real estate purposes.
