Coastal erosion in Quequén, Necochea, is causing a serious environmental crisis. It has already led to the loss of more than 50 meters of beach in recent years.
If not controlled, the advance of the sea in this Buenos Aires locality threatens to destroy homes, infrastructure, and one of the main economic drivers of the area: tourism.
Neighbors organized in the group Quequén Primero warned that the situation is critical and demanded urgent construction works to stop the retreat of the coastline.
“Every year, more meters of beach disappear. If immediate measures are not taken, the damage will be irreversible,” they warned.
Coastal erosion, a phenomenon exacerbated by human action
According to environmental impact specialists, erosion has intensified since 2004, when the extension of the southern breakwater of Necochea significantly altered the natural balance of the coastal system.
This construction disturbed marine currents and accelerated beach erosion, causing a much faster retreat than observed during the previous five decades.
Proposals to halt the advance of the sea
The proposed alternatives to mitigate the problem include coastal engineering works, such as defenses and sand replenishment. In addition to this, the implementation of a comprehensive plan with technical studies, environmental monitoring, and coordination between different government levels is crucial.
Coastal erosion in Quequén not only compromises the landscape and tourism but also the safety of the population living on the beachfront.
A phenomenon also affecting Mar del Plata: what’s happening on the southern beaches
Coastal erosion has caused serious damage in the southern area of Mar del Plata for over 30 years. This problem not only persists but has accelerated in the last two decades.
Coastal erosion strongly affects the southern beaches of Mar del Plata.
The lack of intervention by municipal and provincial authorities in the face of this situation is concerning, as the deterioration continues unabated.
According to various local media reports, the situation began to worsen 20 years ago, especially with the expansion of the Quequén breakwater and the constant sand extraction from the port.
Although erosion in the cliff area was halted through the construction of breakwaters, the situation in the south of Mar del Plata was never addressed. The original project planned for the construction of seven breakwaters, but only three were completed, leaving the rest of the area exposed.
