Unesco demands halt to oil projects in San Matías Gulf due to environmental risks

The Unesco, through its World Heritage Committee, formally requested the Argentine State to preventively suspend the construction of the Vaca Muerta Sur pipeline and the oil terminal in Punta Colorada (located in the Golfo San Matías). The measure aims to ensure that no irreversible damage is done to the Península Valdés ecosystem.

This resolution was adopted during the 48th session of the organization in Busan, South Korea. In it, Unesco expressed its strong concern about the “high risks” that oil activity poses to the natural and ecological values that made Península Valdés a World Heritage site.

Ecological connection and threats to marine fauna

Although the port terminal in the province of Río Negro is projected about 30 kilometers outside the protected area, the organization warned that there is a direct ecological connection between both territories through the Golfo San Matías.

Among the main environmental risks identified are:

• The sustained increase in oil tanker traffic.

• The risk of collisions with cetaceans and underwater noise pollution.

• The effects of artificial lighting and water discharges.

• The potential threat of hydrocarbon spills.

Unesco emphasized that the environmental impact assessment should not be limited only to the construction phase but should consider the permanent operation of the facilities and the constant flow of vessels. It is worth noting that Península Valdés is a key sanctuary for the reproduction of the southern right whale, as well as home to orcas, dolphins, sea lions and elephant seals, penguins, and various coastal birds.

Questions about the documentation presented by Argentina

Although the Argentine Government argued that the project has a mitigation, contingency, and monitoring plan, the Unesco Committee determined that the information provided is insufficient. In particular, it was noted that the consequences on the Outstanding Universal Value of the protected site were not adequately assessed, nor were the response plans to accidents or cumulative pollution specified.

For this reason, Unesco requested comprehensive documentation before the next case analysis, including:

1. The complete route of the pipeline and the location of associated infrastructures.

2. The navigation routes of the ships inside and outside the gulf.

3. The comprehensive environmental impact study, the management plan, and the records of public participation.

The country will have a deadline of February 1, 2027 to deliver this updated report, which will be evaluated at the 49th session of the Committee.

The advancement of energy infrastructure in Vaca Muerta

This international call for attention coincides with the expansion of large infrastructure projects in the region. Recently, the Government approved initiatives under the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI), among which the San Matías Gas Pipeline stands out (with an estimated investment of US$ 1.3 billion).

This project includes the Tratayén-San Antonio Oeste section (472.5 km) and is designed to transport gas from the Neuquén basin to future LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) export plants. The work promoted by San Matías Pipeline and the consortium Southern Energy (composed of PAE, YPF, Pampa Energía, Harbour Energy, and Golar LNG) also plans the installation of two floating liquefaction units in the gulf.

Rejection and resistance from environmental organizations

The proliferation of hydrocarbon projects on the coast of Río Negro and Chubut has reactivated protests from local communities, scientists, and environmental NGOs.

From campaigns like Golfo Azul Para Siempre, they warn that the oil advance puts the marine biodiversity and sustainable economic activities such as tourism and artisanal fishing at serious risk. They also demand that decisions on financing and infrastructure respect the international commitments signed by Argentina regarding climate change and conservation.