Soon, it will no longer be mandatory for travel agencies to hire guides in National Parks. This measure will be eliminated with the repeal of at least 12 regulations.
This was announced at a press conference in El Calafate by the president of the National Parks Administration (APN), Cristian Larsen.
As reported, the National Government is preparing a resolution that will advance with the deregulation of tourism in the 39 national parks in Argentina, considered protected areas.
Guides in National Parks: the controversial measure that the Government is preparing
“We are promoting tourism in national parks. Before, there was a very conservation-focused vision,” Larsen expressed while anticipating one of the measures.
Why the announcement sparked controversy. Photo: Argentina.gob.
This is because, as indicated, 12 core regulations of the national parks will be modified, which set the management of concessions and permits.
One of them aims at the agency no longer requiring visitor groups to enter with specially licensed tourism guides in the National Park they are visiting. Until now, it was mandatory for tourist companies.
“This will help more providers to come to the Parks and offer more and better services. We want more Argentines and foreigners to know the parks,” said the head of the agency. “Before, there was no political decision to progress in terms of tourist services, but conservation was valued more,” he added.
Reactions to the measure and the importance of guide services
The announcement generated a wave of criticism, mainly from those who have been performing this task until now. This is not only the source of employment for thousands of people, but their role is essential for the purpose of these areas.
“We are 10,000 guides throughout the country and we are connected. This is a cold shower. Not only thinking that we are left without a job but because we are conservation agents. Not just information agents,” expressed Liliana Schiavo, a tourism guide in Nahuel Huapi Park, in an interview with Bariloche Más.
Deregulation in National Parks.
In all cases, guides also carry out park ranger tasks, such as information and care agents for the protected areas, with their flora and fauna.
Among the tasks, the roles of the guides include:
- Accompanying visitors
- Informing about regulations
- Disseminating the institution’s objectives
- Acting as a link between the institution, the local community, and visitors
- Complying with current regulations
National Parks play a crucial role in ecosystem protection and land use regulation. They also ensure that future generations can enjoy these environments.
In this sense, the presence of guides and park rangers is essential. As highlighted among the main warnings, this could lead to excesses and prohibited activities for tourists, such as littering and even starting fires.
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