The controversy over the installation of a seawall on the coast of Hudson was, during the past decade, one of the emblematic cases of the defense of coastal wetlands in the southern Greater Buenos Aires. A recent scientific investigation validates the population’s claims to eradicate said construction.
The referred report is titled “Coastal plain of the RÃo de la Plata in Buenos Aires Province – Proposal for the analysis of the territorial biophysical dimension” and was prepared by the Environmental Management UIDET of the National University of La Plata at the request of the Ministry of Environment of the Buenos Aires Province. For this study, a survey of the coast was conducted, from Avellaneda to Berisso, identifying the risks of human action for biodiversity.
Regarding the seawall erected on the coast of Hudson (Berazategui), the report suggests “evaluating the possibility of removing and restoring this sector to its natural state.” The text emphasizes that the coastal embankment “obstructs the communication of the river with the wetlands, causing their drying out and the consequent decrease in vegetation coverage.”
Seawall affecting wetlands and forests
Ernesto Salgado, representative of Forum in Defense of the RÃo de la Plata, considers that this study supports their struggles to defend biodiversity. “Science has proven us right,” he states.
In 2008, in the town of Hudson, the construction of an access road to the river began. For Salgado, this marked the beginning of a rapid change in the landscape in the riparian area. “Many private neighborhoods were built. Precisely, the seawall was created to protect these neighborhoods from floods,” he explains.
This six-meter-high construction (3 above ground and 3 below) was observed by neighbors and environmentalists for interrupting the water flow from the river to the wetlands and the coastal forest. “The riparian forest is accustomed to being bathed in freshwater, otherwise, it will progressively dry out,” Salgado points out.
Ten years ago, the forum initiated a writ of amparo to stop these actions that modify the ecosystem. The Justice system granted a precautionary measure, halting the construction of the final stretch of the seawall.
Since then, the judicial case has been stalled. Although this ruling did not imply the demolition of the one-kilometer built seawall, which in practice serves the purposes for which it was built. “We will include this study from the University of La Plata in the judicial process,” Salgado mentions.
Threatened biological corridor
The issue of wetlands in the southern Greater Buenos Aires remains relevant as new real estate projects continue to be announced. “That whole area is a bird corridor, where more than 300 bird species nest. At this rate, everything is being destroyed,” says Salgado.
The UNLP study specifies that, despite the increasing human activity, wetlands and forests with native species that deserve protection can still be found in the area.
“Although it is administered by different municipalities, a natural resource management that is above individual interests and benefits the entire society of the region should be implemented,” highlights the scientific report.
