As a result of negotiations carried out by the Government of the Province of Santa Fe, a credit line with the AFD was made official, which will allow the execution of infrastructure works for environmental care. At the same time, investments will be made in the restoration of biodiversity within protected areas and the construction of innovation, research, and training centers.
Governor Maximiliano Pullaro, accompanied by Vice Governor Gisela Scaglia and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Enrique Estevez, sealed the agreement which objective is to protect biodiversity, strengthen programs, spaces for environmental education and promote sustainable tourism. "This signature represents the commitment and union of the States in the conservation of biodiversity", expressed the governor.
In turn, the initiative contributes directly to the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those focused on fighting climate change and protecting terrestrial life.
The agreement was signed in the presence of the French Ambassador to Argentina, Romain Nadal, and Minister Enrique Estévez; former Governor Omar Perotti also participated in the activity.
Santa Fe's Biodiversity
Santa Fe is home to a rich biodiversity, including more than 600 species of birds, numerous mammals, and important aquatic fauna. Wetlands play a crucial role in the regulation of water cycles and the provision of nutrients, as well as in the regulation of water quality as well as in mitigating risks and climatic events, such as fires and droughts. Most of the provincial natural protected areas have dedicated staff, i.e. caretakers and ecological park rangers; however, it is necessary to invest in sustainable infrastructure for the protection, conservation, and respectful use by the communities of the protected areas, parks and natural reserves and Ramsar sites in the provincial territory.
The main objective of the "Biodiversity for Climate Action" project is the conservation and preservation of biodiversity in wetlands and the Paraná River valley, by strengthening protected areas such as the Santa Fe Islands National Park and the Jaaukanigás Ramsar Site. This will allow our province to avoid the emission of 13 thousand tons of CO2 per year.
Destination
The works include the construction of eco-shelters, campgrounds, interpretation centers, and areas dedicated to environmental education. In addition, the improvement of trails, the recovery of natural spaces, the construction of floating docks, and other renovation projects for conservation and ecotourism are also planned. This sustainable infrastructure and nature-based solutions will enable the development of ecotourism.
The project includes technical support for the executing teams and training for the project's stakeholders and beneficiaries.
Environmental education is key; therefore, in the province's urban centers, the creation of Climate Innovation Centers (CIC) is planned and, specifically in Santa Fe, the enhancement of the "La Esmeralda" Rescue Center.
Finally, it is worth noting that decentralized technical cooperation and access to international financing for subnational entities are priorities for both French diplomacy and AFD's strategy.
This agreement marks a milestone in the collaboration between France and Argentina on environmental issues and lays the groundwork for continued cooperation in environmental protection and the promotion of sustainable development in the region.
