The Coastal Park Combate Vuelta de Obligado project, developed at UADER, aims to transform the protected area into a new tourism-environmental product and boost the local economy in Entre Ríos with an investment of 72 million pesos.
The capital of Entre Ríos, Paraná, is preparing to consolidate its vocation for nature tourism with the announcement of the enhancement project of the Coastal Park Combate Vuelta de Obligado, a crucial space within the Paraná Medio Multiple Use Reserve.
This comprehensive plan, developed by students of the Bachelor of Tourism at the Autonomous University of Entre Ríos (UADER), aims to establish a new tourism and environmental product that promotes socioeconomic development and ensures the conservation of the valuable coastal ecosystem.
The park is located about 12 kilometers from the civic center of Paranáand is structured around three fundamental pillars for its operation:
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Environmental Education and Awareness: The creation of a visitor center is planned, which will also function as an interpretation center. This space will offer guided tours and educational talks about the history, flora, and fauna of the place, aimed at schools and special groups, promoting responsible enjoyment.
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Active and Nature Tourism: The project includes the necessary infrastructure for activities such as hiking and, with special emphasis, low-impact water sports like kayaking and Stand Up Paddle (SUP), taking advantage of the 3 kilometers of coastline the park has on the Paraná River.
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Cultural Heritage Protection: It seeks to strengthen the historical value of the site, which was inhabited by indigenous cultures such as Chaná, Mocoví, and Charrúas, in addition to honoring the Creole imprint, fostering a respectful relationship with nature.
The Coastal Park is free and open to the public, conceived with a strong orientation towards social and sports tourism. The initiative is expected to create new quality jobs, including training at least 10 young people from nearby neighborhoods to serve as “site guides“.
Commitment to Conservation and Economic Projection
From an environmental perspective, the initiative seeks to protect the bluff forest, a vital biological corridor that serves as a refuge for native fauna (such as the wildcat, gray fox, and guazuncho) during floods.
Legally, the area is protected by the Provincial Law that declared it the Paraná Medio Multiple Use Reserve, and the Native Forest Land Use Planning legislation categorizes this sector as of “very high conservation value” (Category I – Red), explicitly prohibiting deforestation.
The investment required for the infrastructure (stairs, railings, floating dock, reception center) and the management plan amounts to $72,000,000.00. Despite being a public space with no entrance fee, the financial model projects the recovery of the investment in just three years.
This would be achieved through the granting of fees by tender for the concession of tourism services such as boat excursions, kayak rentals, and the offering of gastronomy and kiosks. Priority in these tenders will be given to local residents.
The project seeks to capitalize on the growing global demand for sustainable tourismand ecotourism, a market valued at $295,100 million dollars in 2023 and projected to grow to $761,390 million dollars by 2030, according to international reports. With this new product, Paraná, strategically located near major tourist emission centers such as CABA, AMBA, and Rosario, seeks to strengthen its offer and generate a virtuous cycle of local development and conservation.
