With the aim of combating environmental crime and strengthening the protection of biodiversity in Misiones, the Ministry of Ecology received ten new vans.
The vehicles will be key to improving the work of local park rangers and enhancing environmental controls throughout the province.
### Destination of the vehicles: more control in strategic areas
The vans will be strategically distributed in different work areas. They will focus on control in parks such as Foerster, Yabotí Biosphere, and Esmeralda. Additionally, they will strengthen surveillance in the central area, specifically in Oberá, and in Alto Paraná, in Eldorado, for forest control.
One vehicle will also be assigned to the El Puma Ecological Park to enhance biodiversity care, with a special focus on wildlife rescue.
Minister of the ecological portfolio, Martín Recamán, highlighted the impact of the actions already taken. “So far this year, we have carried out over 470 field operations against environmental crime, representing a 55% increase compared to the previous year, and we still have over three months to go,” Recamán said in an interview with PRIMERA EDICIÓN.
### Strategic investment for the conservation of the Misiones jungle
Recamán emphasized the importance of this investment for the conservation of Misiones’ natural resources. “This is a demonstration of our governor’s commitment not only to conservation but also to the provincial development model that values our jungle and biodiversity,” the minister stated.
These high-end vehicles are essential tools to access remote and difficult terrain. “Our dense jungle has roads with varied soils, wetlands, and rocky slopes.
These vans provide greater safety and efficiency for the work we must carry out,” explained Recamán, emphasizing the complexity of the terrain.
### Historic reduction in deforestation in Misiones
The minister also referred to deforestation, a key indicator of the success of the operations. “At the end of last year, we recorded the lowest deforestation rate in the last ten years.
This demonstrates that our operations are effective, and we must continue to refine environmental protection mechanisms in Misiones,” Recamán stated.
Finally, the official emphasized the importance of interinstitutional collaboration, mentioning joint work with entities such as the Environmental Police, IMiBio, Güirá Oga, and Ohana Misiones.
### Strengthened controls and fines for environmental crimes
Since August of last year, the province has implemented policies to strengthen the fight against these crimes. Fines start at 30 million pesos, and the new management under Minister Recamán in Misiones is uncompromising when it comes to making those who commit environmental crimes pay.
Trucks, machinery, and confiscated wood are now housed in premises of the National Gendarmerie and the provincial Penitentiary Service to ensure their care.
The figures speak for themselves: in the first half of 2024, the Protected Natural Areas (ANP) collected $94,410,022, representing a 180% increase compared to 2023. In the Agrochemicals area, revenue reached $100,139,797, a 474% increase compared to the previous year. Regarding the Forest Fund, aimed at protecting native forests, revenues rose to $266,019,552, 62% more than in 2023.
