In the framework of the World Environment Day, the president of the Foundation Veterinarians Friends of the Impenetrable, Sebastián Robledo, highlighted the importance of understanding the environment as an integrated system where human, animal, and ecological health are closely related. “The environment is not a rigid structure, but an interdisciplinary field involving multiple actors and processes,” he stated.
Robledo emphasized the need to protect the Chaco forest, promote ecological education and strengthen actions that allow conserving biodiversity for future generations.
Ecological awareness and public policies
The environmental leader acknowledged that in recent years there has been progress in the community’s ecological awareness, accompanied by greater dissemination of environmental care. However, he warned that there is still a long way to go to consolidate sustainable habits and deepen citizen commitment.
Regarding public policies, he pointed out that in different localities of The Impenetrable, actions are being developed that combine environmental, productive, and tourist aspects, although he insisted that environmental education should occupy a central place.
Animal health and zoonoses
Robledo stressed the importance of controlling the overpopulation of domestic animals to prevent zoonoses and protect wildlife, often exposed to diseases transmitted by dogs and cats. He reminded that in situations related to wildlife, citizens can contact the lines 105 and 911, where rescue and veterinary care teams are available 24 hours a day.
Regarding the frequent appearance of wild animals in urban and peri-urban areas, he explained that this phenomenon is due to the growth of cities over territories historically occupied by different species. “Humans invaded the habitat of animals, which have been in the same place for thousands of years,” he noted.
Reserves and conservation
The veterinarian also referred to the growth of private projects aimed at housing wildlife, clarifying that they play an important role as long as they operate under current regulations and in coordination with the Directorate of Protected Areas and Biodiversity.
He warned about the existence of people who keep wild animals without authorization or carry out releases without technical criteria. “There are pseudo rescuers who release species in inappropriate places. There are technical and scientific reasons that must be respected,” he alerted.
The value of The Impenetrable
Protecting and conserving The Impenetrable is vital because it represents the second green lung of South America and the largest National Park in northern Argentina.
The region covers more than 4 million hectares, with 128,000 protected in the El Impenetrable National Park, and its preservation is essential to mitigate climate change, protect critically endangered species, and sustain the cultural heritage of local communities.
Key reasons for its conservation:
- Biodiversity refuge: home to the jaguar, giant armadillo, giant anteater, tapir, and peccary, as well as hundreds of species of birds, fish, and native plants.
- Rewilding: ecological restoration and species reintroduction projects driven by organizations like Fundación Rewilding Argentina.
- Community development: economies based on nature tourism, wildlife observation, and local crafts.
- Climate regulation: carbon fixation, soil protection against erosion, and maintenance of water cycles associated with strategic rivers like the Bermejo.
Sebastián Robledo’s message reaffirms that human, animal, and ecological health are part of the same system. The conservation of The Impenetrable not only protects emblematic species and unique ecosystems but also ensures the well-being of local communities and contributes to the fight against climate change.
Education, zoonosis prevention, and responsible wildlife management are essential pillars to guarantee a sustainable future in this key region of Argentina.
