The Río Negro Legislature approved by a majority a new wildlife law, driven by the Executive Branch. It establishes a new regulatory framework for the conservation of provincial wildlife.
This novelty generated a strong impact and negative criticism. Through his social networks, renowned park ranger Claudio Bertonatti shared a strong statement from the Azara Foundation accusing the law of “destroying” the work team.
“A challenging time for us,” harsh criticism of Río Negro’s wildlife law
“Over 20 years ago, the province of Río Negro carried out an exemplary measure: it created a body of park rangers known for their ability to carry out effective operations in all terrains, including rural and natural areas,” contextualized in the document signed by Hernán Ibáñez and Bertonatti, from the Azara Foundation.
“So, surprisingly, they cracked down on hunters, trappers, or wildlife traffickers, putting a stop to depredation,” they added.
Río Negro has a new wildlife law.
“Unfortunately, the Río Negro Legislature passed a new wildlife law. It could be assumed to improve the previous one, but they did not: they omitted the creation or existence of the Park Ranger Corps (ignoring the 47th of the repealed Law 2056/85 that created it),” they accused.
“Enacting a new wildlife law without a monitoring body to enforce it is equivalent to a mere statement of principles,” they pointed out in the statement.
“And with a disadvantage: it destroys the work team formed over the years by experienced, committed, honest individuals with a deep knowledge of the wildlife issue in the territory,” they emphasized.
The shortcomings of the regulations, as they denounce
In the same line, the letter elaborates on the work they carried out. “They even went beyond inspections, providing numerous training sessions for judges, prosecutors, and security forces personnel, both national and from other provinces,” they explained.
“Río Negro could be proud of having such a team,” they lamented.
“In fact, we considered it an example in our presentations or courses, recommending authorities from the rest of the country to use it as a reference,” argued Ibáñez and Bertonatti.
“But we are facing a challenging time. Where the best conservation advocates are threatened not only by hunters, traffickers, and illegal loggers but also by authorities who disregard them or provide insufficient support,” they added.
New wildlife law for Río Negro and criticisms.
On a global scale, the Red List of Threatened Species is growing. “In many cases, due to the trafficking of live animals, skins, furs, meats, ornamental plants, and woods,” they pointed out.
“This ‘omission’ undermines the daily efforts also made in protected areas,” they specified.
“This is a problem with a solution. If the authorities of Río Negro have the will, they can reactivate this Park Ranger Corps,” they expressed.
