At the headquarters of the Club Andino Bariloche (CAB), Clean Mountains was officially presented, the new edition of the traditional environmental campaign that the institution has been promoting for almost 40 years. This year, the initiative comes with a renewed focus, in partnership with Red Pinos, a group that has been warning about the impact of exotic species in the region.
A call to action against invasive species
The launch brought together environmental leaders, CAB members, and local residents, all concerned about the advance of pine and other exotic species on Bariloche’s natural ecosystems.
The 2025 campaign aims not only to raise awareness, but also to take action. Throughout the week, open talks will be held, and on Saturday, a practical day will take place at the Berghof shelter, where attendees will learn how to remove pine saplings.
Preserving Bariloche’s natural environment
During the opening, the president of CAB, Juan Pablo Ordóñez, highlighted the importance of the campaign’s continuity:
“The club is 94 years old, the headquarters are over 70, and the campaign is close to reaching 40. In such a changing world, perseverance is an indication of purpose,” he stated.
He also emphasized that the effort must be collective: “It is a campaign for the entire Bariloche community to improve the environment”.
The impact of pine and other exotic species
Ordóñez recalled that the campaign started in 1988, and after the pause due to the pandemic, the team decided to rethink its objectives.
“Last year we called it Green Mountains, due to the forest fires. This year, together with Red Pinos, we focus on the distortion caused by exotic species, with the slogan ‘Don’t let the pine forest overshadow us’,” he explained.
From Red Pinos, Mario Pastorino provided technical details about the problem: “Pines, due to their invasive capacity and high flammability, pose a direct threat to native forests”, he said.
He also warned about the risks of forest fires: “They are like little fuses waiting for ignition”.
Environmental impact beyond trees
The campaign also aims to raise awareness about pets in the city.
According to Ordóñez, Bariloche has 60,000 pets, and more than half have access to public areas.
“Parasite control campaigns are insufficient and only reach a few hundred, which is concerning,” he emphasized.
Talks and practical activities
The Clean Mountains schedule includes:
- Talks series, from Tuesday to Friday at 7:00 pm, at the CAB headquarters
- Workshop on invasive species and restoration of natural environments.
- Practical day at the Berghof shelter, on Saturday at 10:00 am, where attendees will learn to remove pine saplings.
According to Berta Sebastián, secretary of CAB, the chosen location has a special meaning: “Decades ago, pioneers believed that pines were a solution. Now, we return to reverse the effects of their expansion”.
*With information from the Bariloche 2000 portal
