In the past few days, the province of **Misiones** took a significant step in environmental issues, especially in the [protection of species](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/nuevas-huellas-de-yaguarete-son-encontradas-en-el-parque-nacional-rio-pilcomayo/). It is the world’s first insurance policy aimed at **caring for the jaguar** and the rural communities that share their habitat with this species.
The measure taken by the Misiones Government, together with the **United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)**, is considered an unprecedented initiative, being a pioneer at the international level. According to local authorities, the initiative will be implemented in the municipality of Comandante Andresito, located in the eastern part of the “tierra colorada.” This will be where **the first stage of the plan will be tested.**
The program’s objective is to **reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife** by using a specific tool that financially compensates rural producers facing verified depredations, while **promoting coexistence practices with native fauna.**
To make this possible, **the insurer Rio Uruguay Seguros (RUS)** and some **specialized conservation organizations** worked together to reach this **innovative financial solution**. During the presentation of this program, the Minister of Agriculture and Production, Facundo López Sartori, and the General Administrative Director of the Ministry of Agriculture and member of the insurance coordinating team, Emilce Errubidarte, emphasized the program’s importance.
## **How will the program work?**
According to the creators of **the initiative that will help protect the jaguar**, to be tested in Andresito, it will be led by the provincial government, including a comprehensive care mechanism that will consider:
– **Assessment without a deductible by a specialized NGO.**
– **Periodic technical assistance to beneficiary producers.**
– **Immediate compensation in case of proven damages.**
The relevance of this program was such that **its implementation will be monitored** to evaluate the possibility of expanding it to other provinces in the country and even to neighboring countries, presented as **a replicable model of public-private articulation.**
## **The jaguar, an emblematic animal of the northern region of the country**
According to experts, **the jaguar is a fundamental animal for ecosystem balance**, as it regulates herbivore populations, preventing soil erosion and improving overall jungle health.
The importance of this species in northern Argentina is such that Misiones declared it a **Natural Monument of the province** in 1988. This same measure was repeated at the national level when it was named a **National Natural Monument** in 2001, becoming an emblem of the Parana jungle.
Despite the titles received, jaguars are in **critical danger of extinction**, as it is estimated that less than 250 individuals remain in the country, of which **around 90 inhabit the province of Misiones**, a result of hunting.
## **How to help conserve the species?**
Misiones is one of **the last great refuges of jaguars in Argentina**. To conserve the species, one can not only participate in these types of programs but also get involved in **conservation, care, and responsible use of the Misiones jungle** through certain individual behaviors. In this sense, one can:
– **Respect speed limits.**
– **Report to authorities if conflicts arise with livestock.**
The jaguar **is the largest feline in the Americas** and is very striking due to its colorful fur covered with numerous rosettes. Additionally, in the Guarani language, yaguareté means “true beast.”
*Source: Primera Edición.*
**[Have you visited our YouTube channel yet? Subscribe now!](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrYLIWysAyv4m833zGAQ02g)**
