What is Fundación Rewilding Argentina?
Fundación Rewilding Argentina is a groundbreaking conservation initiative focused on protecting and restoring vast natural landscapes in Argentina. At its heart lies the Iberá National Park, an extraordinary wetland and the largest in the country. This project is all about reconnecting wild nature with the land, bringing back species that had disappeared, and nurturing biodiversity in a way that benefits both the environment and local communities. It’s a journey with purpose, blending nature restoration with transformative travel experiences that inspire and educate.
Main Benefits of the Project
Here’s a quick snapshot of the incredible impact Fundación Rewilding Argentina has made so far:
- 1,850,000 acres (or 750,000 hectares) of land protected.
- 264,000,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent sequestered.
- 370,658 acres donated for new parkland creation.
These numbers aren’t just stats—they represent a massive step forward in conserving wild nature and fighting climate change.
The Iberá National Park: A Biodiversity Hotspot
The Iberá National Park is truly something special. It’s home to about 30% of Argentina’s biodiversity, including some endangered species like the pampas and marsh deer, the elusive maned wolf, and unique grassland birds such as the strange-tailed tyrant. This wetland is a vibrant ecosystem where every creature plays a role in maintaining balance. The park’s restoration is a beacon of hope for wildlife and nature lovers alike.
Rewilding: Bringing Back What Was Lost
Back in 2005, Fundación Rewilding Argentina launched one of the largest rewilding programs in the Americas. The goal? To restore keystone species that had been wiped out from Iberá due to hunting and habitat loss. Some of these animals were extinct not just in the region but in the entire province or even the country. This effort isn’t just about animals—it’s about reviving natural processes and ecosystems that had been disrupted for decades.
Connecting People and Nature
As the rewilding program grew, something remarkable happened. The cultural identity of Iberá began to revive alongside the ecosystems. This project impacts around 100,000 people living near the park, creating a powerful connection between communities and their natural surroundings. It’s a reminder that conservation isn’t just about protecting land—it’s about people, culture, and shared futures.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 13: Climate Action – through carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – by protecting biodiversity and restoring habitats.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – supporting local communities through sustainable tourism.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – promoting sustainable land use.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – fostering community engagement and cultural revival.
Why This Matters for Travel and Beyond
Fundación Rewilding Argentina isn’t just a conservation project—it’s a call to action for travelers and nature enthusiasts who want their journeys to mean something. It’s about transformative travel that goes beyond sightseeing, inviting people to witness and support wild nature’s comeback. This project shows how protecting the planet can be a shared adventure, full of discovery, purpose, and hope for the future.
