The government of the City of Buenos Aires will celebrate this weekend the 40th anniversary of the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve. The main event will be on June 6th with the inauguration of the new Visitor Reception and Interpretation Center at the Brazil entrance, a space that will feature technological resources, an environmental microcinema, a play library, and an open-air classroom for educational activities.
From rubble to international green lung
The land, originally reclaimed from the Río de la Plata with rubble fills, was recovered by natural dynamics and declared a Natural Park and Ecological Reserve Zone on June 5, 1986.
Four decades later, this 350-hectare space has been consolidated as:
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One of the main urban green lungs in the region.
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The most visited protected natural area in Argentina, with more than 2 million annual visitors (including 40,000 students).
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A biodiversity refuge with more than 2,000 species of flora, fauna, and fungi.
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An ecosystem with international recognition, designated as a Ramsar Site and an Area of Importance for Bird Conservation (AICA).
Infrastructure and forest safety
In addition to the new visitor center, modernization works included the optimization of the forest fire network along 10 kilometers of internal roads, improving hydrants and pumping stations at the Brazil and Viamonte entrances. Currently, the site has 16 certified forest firefighters.
Conservation and projects for 2026
In collaboration with Aves Argentinas and the Wildlife Foundation, new wildlife observation platforms were built over the Viamonte Canal and the Patos and Gaviotas lagoons.
On the other hand, the Native Species Nursery was renovated, where the inclusion program Nature without Barriers for young people with disabilities operates. For this year 2026, authorities project a record planting of 6,500 native specimens in the city’s reserves.
Recovery of public space
As part of recent zoning actions in the area, the official statement highlighted that in January of this year the eviction of “La Casona” was carried out, a state property in the Costanera Sur that had been illegally occupied for more than 16 years and accumulated neighborhood complaints for crimes and noise disturbances.
