The institutional impetus for the future Upper Iguazu ecological corridor It took a significant step forward with the coordination between the Government of Misiones and the Rewilding Argentina FoundationThe initiative focuses on the connectivity of the Atlantic Forest, habitat restoration, and the activation of nature tourism with clear rules.
According to both parties, the project will combine conservation, local development and ecotourism experiences around the Upper Iguazu River, combining public and private capacities to curb the fragmentation of the native forest and strengthen the protection of emblematic species.
An agreement to weave the Upper Iguazu corridor
The meeting was held at the Government House, chaired by Governor Hugo Passalacqua, with the participation of the Minister of Tourism, JosĂ© MarĂa ArrĂșa, and executives from Rewilding Argentina. A shared roadmap was defined at the meeting for aligning conservation and sustainable tourism actions in the Upper Iguazu region.
The provincial administration emphasized that these Public-private partnerships are strategic To protect the Misiones rainforest, in a context of loss of Atlantic Forest cover. Inter-institutional coordination will allow for the organization of initiatives and the scaling up of projects with territorial impact.
160 strategic hectares in Comandante Andresito
Rewilding announced the purchase of 160 hectares in the Comandante Andresito areaThese areas are destined to become a key component of the corridor. The site is located opposite the Grupo de la Isla Grande del IguazĂș Superior Provincial Park and close to other protected areas, an ideal location for improving ecological connectivity.
The new area will help stitch together the mosaic of remaining forests through "corridors" and buffer zones that facilitate the movement of wildlifeThis is an operational step to move from planning to implementation on the ground.
Conservation goals and key species
The runner is aiming connect fragments of Atlantic Forest and reduce the isolation of wildlife populations, with special attention to the jaguar, an umbrella species whose presence indicates the health of the ecosystem. The project also aims to strengthen habitats for birds and other mammals of high conservation value.
The foundation will transfer its approach to Alto IguazĂș. "nature production"This model, which integrates environmental restoration, native wildlife recovery, and tangible benefits for communities, has already been tested in other landscapes across the country and aims for measurable and sustainable ecological results.
To strengthen enforcement and reduce pressures such as hunting, the plan includes coordinated work with provincial and national park rangers, as well as cooperation with the Brazilian NGO OnçafariThe goal is to ensure safe corridors for the movement of species and to restore key ecological processes.
Nature tourism and local opportunities
The Ministry of Tourism of Misiones confirmed that the provincial tourism policy prioritizes the care of biodiversity, promoting initiatives to responsible birdwatching and ecotourism in areas of high environmental value. The collaboration with Rewilding, Vida Silvestre, and Aves Argentinas will facilitate nature interpretation and environmental education experiences.
The development of an ecotourism corridor is being considered, which will combine conservation, local employment and quality serviceswith proposals such as the Provincial Bird Route Program. The design seeks to balance access and preservation, guaranteeing routes and quotas in accordance with the sensitivity of the environment.
Multi-stakeholder governance
The shared agenda includes technical working groups with public bodies, NGOs and community leaders to define standards, monitoring and protocols common. This collaborative governance aims to ensure continuity, transparency, and periodic evaluation of results.
Due to its border location, the Upper Iguazu is an ideal spot for Binational cooperation with Brazilby combining efforts in control, applied science, and habitat connectivity at the landscape scale. Cross-border collaboration can multiply the corridor's impact.
Context: The Atlantic Forest and its protection
The Atlantic Forest has suffered a severe reduction of its surface due to human pressure. Misiones retains a significant block of rainforest that acts as a biodiversity refuge and regional biological corridor, which increases the responsibility to strengthen its structural protection.
The Missions approach combines active conservation and local value creationbetting that nature protection will translate into opportunities for its inhabitants. The consolidation of the corridor in the Upper Iguazu fits perfectly into that strategy.
The joint effort of the provincial government and Rewilding Argentina is taking concrete steps: acquired lands, shared planning, and operational partnershipsThe expectation is that the connectivity of the Misiones rainforest will improve, the protection of the jaguar will be strengthened, and the territory will add nature-based proposals with benefits for the local economy.
