Río Negro creates largest marine protected area in its history
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The government of Río Negro established the Corredor de los 5 Grandes, a coastal-marine protected area covering 2,730 square kilometers in the Patagonia region of Argentina.
This new reserve connects two ecologically important spaces, Punta Bermeja and the area spanning Caleta de los Loros, Pozo Salado, and Punta Mejillón. It represents the largest marine reserve in the province and the first new protected area created in Río Negro in over 20 years.
The reserve protects a diverse range of marine life, including whales, orcas, dolphins, and sea lions. Officials designed the area to strengthen conservation strategies for these species while organizing human activities in the San Matías Gulf. The plan aims to balance environmental protection with recreational and tourist uses, such as nature tourism, wind sports, and sport fishing. Authorities collaborated with several organizations to create the reserve, including Fundación Por el Mar, Fundación Cethus, and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
These groups provided the scientific and technical data needed to design the management plan. The government intends to involve local residents, tourism providers, and fishers in a participatory process to define the rules and priorities for the area. The initiative also serves as a strategy to promote year-round tourism along the Camino de la Costa. By protecting the landscape and promoting wildlife observation, the province hopes to create economic benefits for local communities.
The project uses a spatial planning tool to categorize different zones, ensuring that sensitive biodiversity areas remain protected while allowing for sustainable economic growth.
