Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world by area and, therefore, holds a vast diversity of strategic natural resources. Since 2011, the Land Law regulates foreign rural property and sets limits to protect sensitive areas.
However, this legal framework has become the center of debate after Javier Milei’s government expressed its intention to reform it. According to the official view, the current restrictions hinder investments in a context of economic crisis.
Meanwhile, data shows that about 13 million hectares are already in foreign hands. Although they account for 5% of the national territory, their distribution is uneven and raises alarms.
A map that reveals imbalances
An interactive map created from official data reveals that in several districts, foreign ownership exceeds 50%. These areas are mainly concentrated near the Andes mountain range and in border zones.
Although no province exceeds the 15% limit established by law, at the departmental level the situation changes. Thus, high concentration hotspots are evident in environmentally fragile territories.
Moreover, these areas often coincide with freshwater reserves, critical minerals, and sensitive ecosystems.
Patagonia and the Andes, at the center of the conflict
One of the most visible cases is Cushamen, in Patagonia, where 23% of the land belongs to foreigners. There is El Hoyo, affected by fires that destroyed more than 13,000 hectares this summer.
In that department, large landowners like the Benetton group are settled, concentrating almost 900,000 hectares in the region. This presence reignites social and environmental tensions.
Another critical point is Malargüe, in Mendoza, where foreign ownership reaches 15% and mining interest grows following the approval of extractive projects.
Borders and territory control
In the north of the country, especially near Paraguay, a strong foreign presence is also detected. There, the possession of large extensions facilitates dynamics that are difficult to control.
Moreover, the United States leads the ranking of foreign hectares in Argentina, followed by Italy and Spain. These lands are distributed in key provinces such as Mendoza, Neuquén, and Corrientes. Thus, territory control appears fragmented and with little transparency about the actual land uses.
How this harms the country environmentally
The possible relaxation of the Land Law could increase pressure on fragile ecosystems. By facilitating land purchases, it opens the door to intensive extractive activities.
Consequently, glaciers, aquifers, and native forests would be more exposed to degradation. This would affect the water supply for millions of people and the regional climatic stability.
Finally, the loss of control over strategic territories weakens long-term environmental planning. Thus, the discussion about investments intersects with a central question: who decides the fate of the country’s natural resources.
