The Laguna de Llancanelo, located in southern Mendoza, has been officially incorporated into the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, one of the most prestigious conservation systems on the continent.
This recognition places Malargüe on the global biodiversity map and confirms the exceptional ecological value of a wetland that fascinates the scientific world.
A unique landscape
Llancanelo is a vast mirror of water surrounded by extinct volcanoes and saline plains. Its scenic beauty has made it a classic for researchers, photographers, and bird-watching enthusiasts. Now, its value transcends tourism: it is recognized as a vital ecological sanctuary for migratory routes.
Importance for migratory birds
Scientific studies have confirmed that the lagoon serves as a resting and feeding point for species that travel thousands of kilometers between hemispheres. Some birds fly up to 16,000 km on their journeys, and Llancanelo becomes a key station to regain energy.
Among the most notable records is the stable presence of more than 1% of the world’s population of Baird’s sandpiper, with counts exceeding 5,400 individuals. This data was crucial to achieving international status.
Strategic value for conservation
The Ministry of Energy and Environment of Mendoza highlighted that the inclusion of Llancanelo in the network is a strategic milestone, as it allows access to international standards, funding, and technical support.
Additionally, it opens doors for educational and scientific projects that will deepen the understanding of the migratory behavior of species.
Continental connectivity
With its entry into the network, Llancanelo joins a select circle of sites that ensure the ecological connectivity of the continent. The Mendoza wetland functions as a link within a chain that connects Alaska, Canada, the United States, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
In simple terms, when a small shorebird embarks on its journey from the Arctic tundra to the south, it knows—by instinct and evolution—that in Llancanelo it will find food, shelter, and rest.
Next steps
The agreement seeks to ensure that the lagoon continues to fulfill its ecological function and becomes a driver of development based on the care of natural heritage. In the coming months, strategies will be defined to:
- Improve site management.
- Strengthen biological monitoring.
- Regulate public use.
- Deepen the connection with the local community.
The incorporation of the Laguna de Llancanelo into the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network is an international recognition that reinforces its role as a natural sanctuary and as a key piece in the migratory routes of birds. The challenge now is to consolidate its conservation and turn it into an example of sustainable development for Mendoza and the entire region.
