After more than 30 years of continuous fighting on the part of the Fuegian society, Península Mitre, a unique area in the world, was declared a Natural Provincial Protected Area in December 2022. This huge achievement was possible as a result of the constant work of the entire local community, the scientific community, members of the public sector, and all the local and national NGOs.
LOCAL AND GLOBAL RELEVANCE
Located at the eastern end of the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, its area covers approximately 300,000 hectares of land and 200,000 hectares of sea, including adjacent waters to Isla de los Estados. It is the largest carbon capture point in the country, key to the mitigation of global warming. In addition, here are found vestiges of the Haush (a hunter-gatherer community), evidence of shipwrecks, and an infinite number of species of flora and fauna.
CONSERVATION
The first exploration campaign conducted in Península Mitre occurred more than 30 years ago, during which the need to protect it was identified. The different bills that were proposed changed over time; however, they all shared the same spirit of conservation and the purpose of making this place a natural protected area, which was finally achieved in December 2022. The peninsula is extremely important for nature: different vulnerable or endangered species live, migrate, and nourish in its terrestrial and marine areas, such as the southern river otter, the humpback whale, and the common steamer duck. This abundance of life makes it one of the last pristine places on Earth: it certainly deserves to be protected forever.
VALUES AND NEEDS
The legal protection granted to Península Mitre is a beacon of hope in the global context of the climate crisis and the extinction of species. Not only is it home and refuge to a great diversity of species, but also, due to the great extension of peat, it is the most important carbon sink in Argentina. So far, both the natural values and the archaeological remains found in Península Mitre have been largely preserved; even so, the area was facing multiple challenges such as theft or pressure from exotic species, and mainly due to the consequences of an extractive and exploitative economy, risking the loss of the components that make it a unique and exceptional natural area.
ACTIVISM AND COMMUNICATION
Most of our initiatives and activities were aimed at young people because we firmly believe in the power and value of involving young people in these issues; this way it is possible to raise awareness about the issues and thus come up with or generate solutions together. As part of this effort, we collaborated with a local theater company to promote a traveling play for children, we gave talks at schools and universities in the province, participated in different events and meetings, and organized an activist workshop to address the importance of participation of the community.
SUSTAINABLE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
Tourism in Tierra del Fuego is intrinsically related to the province's natural values. It is a development model with an endless projection and the capacity to have a positive impact on many people through employment generation. Nature tourism is the driving force of a sustainable economy and, at the same time, it is unfailingly supported by the conservation of the natural values of the big island.
