From now on there is a **new Protected Area in Chubut**. It is the Provincial Park Patagonia Azul and shows a new step towards the **conservation and protection of biodiversity**.
The Ministry of Tourism and Local Protected Areas highlighted the creation of a new region, which will complement the existing ones.
“Not only does it **benefit local biodiversity**, but it also turns Chubut into an example to follow for other coastal provinces, demonstrating that sustainable development and the **protection of ecosystems** can go hand in hand,” they said.
## New protected area in Chubut: what the park is like
The new **protected marine natural area is a biodiverse region**, with islands, bays, reefs, and oceanographic processes that make it key for **marine life**.
There converge key species such as **humpback whale, sei whale**, one and two-haired sea lions, Magellanic penguin, giant petrel, imperial cormorant.
As well as **forests of macroalgae**, islands, and rocky intertidal zones that allow the development of fish and marine invertebrates of interest.
It covers an area of **295,135 hectares** and is part of the **Patagonia Azul Biosphere Reserve**, an international distinction granted by **UNESCO**, as part of the “Man and the Biosphere” program (MAB).
## The objective of provincial reserves
These reserves aim to seek **balance between environmental conservation and sustainable development** of local communities.
Protected natural areas are designated spaces for the **protection of ecosystems, communities** or biological or geological elements of the marine environment.
Including the **subsoil, seabed, and associated columns**, which due to their rarity, fragility, importance, or uniqueness deserve special protection for the use, education, and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Currently, the Provincial System of Protected Natural Areas (established by Provincial Law XI No. 18) consists of 16 of them and a Coastal Marine Interjurisdictional Park.
Taking into account that the **Patagonia Azul Biosphere Reserve turns 10 years old in 2025**, the creation of this area reinforces the management of the same.
From the north, at the beginning of the new Provincial Park is the **Cabo Dos BahÃas Protected Natural Area** and extends to the southern coasts of BahÃa Bustamante, including the PIMCPA.
Provincial Route No. 1 connects the terrestrial points of this new Park so that tourists and **visitors can enjoy its attractions**.
## Public-private agreement
With the aim of strengthening the new Provincial Park, Minister **Diego Lapenna** signed an agreement with the **Rewilding Foundation**, to be able to make the donation of **Estancia San Miguel** a reality.
It is a total of **16,500 hectares located on the Patagonia Azul Route**, which will be renamed **Portal Isla Tova** and will be one of the entrances to the new park.
The donation of Estancia San Miguel also includes **4×4 vehicles and a house for park rangers**, improvements in roads for visitors, a surveillance house, and an operational center to oversee the park.
The project also includes the development of an **organized camping site and a wild camping site**, the development of a biological station, sheds for park boats and tourist operators, the creation of a light footprint for hikers, and various arrangements in the Cabo Dos BahÃas PNA.
