The Province and the **National University** of San Luis **(UNSL)** are making progress in the creation of a new **green lung** with over 1500 native specimens in Villa Mercedes.
In a joint effort between the **Government of San Luis** and the [**UNSL**](https://www.unsl.edu.ar/), an unprecedented project has been launched that will transform the surroundings of the **Espejos de Agua** in **Villa Mercedes**.
The plan includes the **planting of over 1500 specimens** including trees, shrubs, and grasses, with the aim of [**restoring native flora**](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/mas-arboles-menos-dano-san-luis-apuesta-a-la-naturaleza-reforestando-el-balneario-municipal-de-santa-rosa-de-conlara/), providing **shade in recreational areas**, and establishing the **first Flora and Fauna Reserve of the Pedernera department**.
## An environment without shade that will become a green lung
The site will be **reforested with native plants** cultivated by the teams of the **Secretariat of Environment and Sustainable Development**.
Among the initial progress, the specimens of **Aguaribay** stand out, already providing shade in the **perilago**, marking an **environmental milestone for the second most populous city in the province**.
## Interdisciplinary participation: science, management, and territory
The project brings together technicians, researchers, and provincial authorities in a **collaborative work network**.
The recent reforestation involved the participation of:
– **Public Spaces Tree Workers**
– **Daniel Berro**, Director of Biodiversity
– **Mariano Gómez**, Head of Provincial Nurseries
– **Víctor Sosa**, Director of Parque Costanera Río V
– **Patricia Verde and Cecilia Lartigue**, Agricultural Engineers from FICA-UNSL
“It is an honor to be part of this interdisciplinary team for the ecological restoration of the Espejos de Agua,” expressed **Patricia Verde**, Director of the Department of Agricultural Sciences.
## Technical planning and strategic restoration
As explained by **Cecilia Lartigue**, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Sciences, the plan is divided into **four territorial axes**:
1. Area for planting native species
2. Recreational area with shelter and shade
3. Natural area near the wetland
4. Forest curtain area for climate protection
Each sector was technically evaluated to define **which species to plant and with what ecological and social objectives**.
## Strategic alliances for sustainable environmental policy
The initiative involves the Faculty of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences (FICA-UNSL), the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, and the Secretary of State for Environment and Sustainable Development.
The FICA researchers provide **technical advice and monitoring**, while the provincial agencies contribute **logistics, native species, and labor**.
“This plan must be maintained as a provincial environmental development policy, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and current regulations,” emphasized **Daniel Berro**.
## Ecological restoration with tourism, educational, and climatic impact
The goal is to **recover the ecosystem** and enhance the public use of the **natural space**.
“As a villamercedino, I am proud that this action brings life and color to this place, enhancing tourism and conservation,” celebrated **Víctor Sosa**, Director of Parque Costanera Río V.
The project aims to **rehabilitate degraded areas**, **preserve biodiversity**, **manage the soil ecologically**, and **mitigate climate change**, integrating **environmental education, recreation, and territorial planning**.
