The debate over possible changes to the Glacier Law (Law 26.639) has reignited discussion in southern Mendoza.
In San Rafael, residents, environmental organizations, and social leaders gathered to express their rejection of any attempt to relax a regulation that protects glaciers and the periglacial environment, considered strategic reserves of fresh water.
With signs and slogans, a clear message prevailed:
“Water is not negotiable.”
In a province where water resources are vital for agricultural production, human consumption, and regional development, the defense of water has become a cross-cutting banner.
What the current law establishes
Law 26.639 sets minimum protection standards:
- Prohibits activities that may affect glaciers and periglacial areas, such as mining exploration and exploitation.
- Requires inventories and environmental impact studies.
- Recognizes glaciers as essential fresh water reserves for the country.
The debate over the reform
The sectors pushing for changes argue that the current regulations block sustainable mining projects and that the concept of “periglacial environment” is too broad. They seek greater legal certainty and to reconcile productive development with environmental care.
On the other hand, environmental and scientific organizations warn that modifying the law would be illegal and unconstitutional, as it violates the precautionary principle and endangers strategic resources in a context of accelerated climate change.
Technical report from NGOs and scientists
A document presented by Aves Argentinas, Fundación Vida Silvestre, WCS Argentina, and Fundación Humedales warns about the risks of lack of protection:
- Glaciers store water in the form of ice and release it gradually throughout the year, sustaining ecosystems and water services.
- Debris glaciers and periglacial areas contribute up to 30% of river water in dry years.
- Relaxation would open the door to mining in sensitive areas, risking shortages, biodiversity loss, and irreversible degradation.
Main implications of the reform
- Relaxation: automatic protection of all glaciers would be removed, limiting it only to those that fulfill a “proven water function.”
- Provincial management: provinces would decide which glaciers to protect, creating a heterogeneous and discretionary system.
- Water risk: threat to the supply of fresh water in arid regions.
- Environmental impact: risk to 86% of Argentine mammals and biodiversity in general.
The debate over the Glacier Law faces two visions: the need for provincial economic development and the preservation of strategic water reserves.
In Mendoza, where water is a scarce and vital resource, civil society is mobilizing to defend it as a common heritage. Protecting glaciers is protecting life, biodiversity, and the future of communities.
