In the framework of the World Environment Day, the “Puerto Tereré” Visitor Center was inaugurated, along with the Rangers’ House and the Superintendent’s Office of the Islas y Canales Verdes del Río Uruguay Provincial Park, in Colonia Elía, Entre Ríos.
This space aims to be a portal for awareness and learning, offering interactive content, sculptures of native animals, and an auditorium for educational and cultural activities.
The park, created in 2023, covers 4,006 hectares with 15 islands, channels, wetlands, beaches, and riparian forests that host a great diversity of flora and fauna. The initiative emerged from a collaborative process between the governments of Argentina and Uruguay, organizations such as WCS Argentina, Banco de Bosques, and AMBÁ, and local communities.
Contents and Experiences of the Center
The Visitor Center offers a comprehensive proposal:
- Sculptures of native fauna created by plastic artists.
- Informative and audiovisual panels on biodiversity and historical heritage.
- The Island Logbook, a registry book with stories from former island inhabitants.
- Auditorium Escuela 105 Almirante Brown, equipped for environmental training and meetings.
- Interactive scientific experiences for children to explore biodiversity through research.
- 100-meter educational trail, picnic area, and playgrounds for children, adapted for school visits.
“This Interpretation Center unites nature, education, and community. It is a bridge that connects society with biodiversity,” said Mariano González Roglich, director of WCS Argentina.
Infrastructure and Complementary Programs
In recent years, the park has added:
- Refuges, docks, and camping areas.
- 25 km of trails with interpretive signage.
- Trained and equipped ranger corps.
- The program “Kayaks for Schools”, which allows thousands of students to get to know the area and revitalize river culture.
Recently, a boat was incorporated to transport up to 30 students, and the construction of super floating docks is projected.
Inaugural Ceremony and Attending Authorities
The inauguration was attended by provincial and local authorities and representatives of environmental organizations. Among them: Guillermo Bernaudo, Minister of Economic Development of Entre Ríos; Rosa Hojman, Secretary of Environment; Ramón Barrera, Mayor of Colonia Elía; and representatives of WCS Argentina, Banco de Bosques, and the ranger corps.
“Environmental activity also generates economic development and tourism, respecting nature,” highlighted Bernaudo. Meanwhile, Hojman stated: “This Center is the entrance to a wonderful park that will continue to grow.”
Local Development and Sustainable Tourism
The Visitor Center is part of the Park’s Public Use Plan, developed with community input and presented in a public hearing. This plan includes activities such as:
- Ecotourism and nature tourism.
- Hiking, trekking, and camping.
- Non-motorized sports: kayaking, cycling, swimming, and walking.
- Environmental education and volunteering.
- Interpretation of natural and cultural heritage.
“The environmental and economic go hand in hand in nature tourism,” noted Emiliano Ezcurra, director of Banco de Bosques.
The inauguration of the “Puerto Tereré” Visitor Center marks a milestone in the management of the Islas y Canales Verdes del Río Uruguay Provincial Park, consolidating the union between conservation, education, and local development.
This space not only brings biodiversity closer to the community but also promotes a sustainable tourism model that protects the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
