Ecobreves – ARGENTINA: Nature Preserve Left Unprotected

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BUENOS AIRES, Mar 16 2009 (IPS) - An environmental group in Argentina is calling for the protection of a nature preserve near the city of Mar del Plata, a popular tourist destination in the province of Buenos Aires, where biodiversity is under threat. Carlos Brachi, of the Puerto Mar del Plata Nature Preserve Foundation, told Tierramérica that the 42-hectare area is threatened by tourism activities and by the fishmeal factories.

The area is a wetland that is home to endangered species of birds, amphibians and reptiles. About five percent of the entire population of the Olrog's gull (Larus atlanticus) winters in the reserve.

The municipal government of Mar del Plata has been responsible for protecting the preserve for more than 20 years, but the Foundation wants it to be under the authority of Buenos Aires province and under stricter regulations.