Natural resources in Argentina

Natural resources in Argentina

By Dr. Kyle Muller

The Natural Resources of Argentina renewable and non -renewable are so important that, according to a study by the FARN (Environment and Natural Resources Foundation) of 2019(1)approximately one third of the goods and services produced in the country depends on them.

To make a correct use of them and initiate territorial and economic management that bets on sustainability, it is essential to know What are the natural resources of Argentinawhat is your current status, your quality and availability. In order to acquire some of this knowledge you will only have to read the information provided by this Ecology article, through several examples of natural resources of Argentina, based on the criteria of natural wealth of the World Bank, which contemplate energy, minerals, agricultural lands, forests and protected areas.

Abundance of agricultural and livestock lands

This is the main resource that characterizes the Natural wealth of Argentina And therefore, it is one of the Natural Resources of Argentina most important. Traditionally, the large extensions of pastures have configured the landscapes and economic activity of this country. Unlike the recession that characterizes the primary sector in many other countries, the main engine of society is still agricultural and livestock.

The introduction of soybeans in the mid -90s and its exponential growth has modified the Argentine agricultural structure, constituting this crop more than half of the agricultural area. The genetic modification of these seeds and the use of glyphosphate as a herbicide give rise to potential environmental adverse effects and on human health.

Given an increase in agricultural production and monoculture production in Argentina, as a measure to alleviate and stop the loss of biodiversity (here you can know the flora and fauna of Argentina and in danger of extinction in Argentina) and the deterioration of edaphic resources, it has opted for the establishment of cultivation edges as a conservation strategy.

Natural resources in Argentina - abundance of agricultural and livestock lands

Oil and minerals

The large amount of raw materials in Argentina has favored, since the beginning of the last century, a growing trend in the Exploitation of hydrocarbon reserves (oil and gas) and minerals (iron, coal, copper, sulfur and gold). In fact, such is the rhythm of extraction that is discussed by large -scale mining or Megaminerรญawhich stands out mainly in the extraction of open pit metals.

As a consequence of the overexploitation of these Non -renewable Argentine natural resources A high social and environmental impact takes place and, despite the general rejection that citizens show in front of such conditions, the megaminerรญa today only presents restrictions and/or prohibitions in seven of the 23 Argentine provinces.

We encourage you to inform you about Argentina’s environmental problems visiting this other article.

Natural resources in Argentina - oil and minerals

Forest resources

To continue with more Examples of natural resources from Argentinawe stop to explain forest resources. The forest resources present in the NE of Argentina, mainly characterized by forests are widely exploited and are strongly subject to deforestation. The changes of soil uses for agriculture, burning vegetation and felling to obtain wood, configure the main threats of forest resources.

As a strategy to preserve the native plant species of Argentina, forest crops are established, mainly made up of alรณctonian commercial species (conifers, eucalyptus and salicรกceas); which allows to maintain the forest extractivist economic activity and also the forest resources of the area. In addition, the replacement of native woods contributes to carbon fixation, the recovery of degraded soils and the purification of water resources, indirectly favoring agricultural activities.

You can learn more on this topic in this other article on deforestation in Argentina: causes and consequences, to better learn the risk of Argentine forest resources if they are not better managed.

Natural Resources in Argentina - Forest Resources

Protected areas

Argentina has an important Protected Areas Network in order to preserve the mosaic of climates and landscapes it possesses. Of the 49 protected areas That there are in Argentina, 46 are terrestrial and 3 are marine.

In 1922 the first protected area was established, the South National Park, which is now known as Nahuel Huapi National Park. This natural space protected from Patagonia is one of the most extensive. However, Los Glaciares National Park, located in the Santa Cruz province and characterized by the presence of continental and glaciers that model the southern Andean-patagonic forest, exceeds it in extension, becoming considered the protected area with the largest surface in Argentina.

Here you can learn about the importance of natural reserves and protected areas. We also recommend knowing the ecoregions of Argentina with this other summary.

Natural resources in Argentina - Protected Areas

Renewable natural resources

We finished commenting on the main natural resources from Argentina focusing on Renewable natural resources. In order to replace the exploitation and dependence of non -renewable resources, in Argentina, during the last decades it has made its way to wind projects. The mountain and coastal areas of Buenos Aires are places with high wind potential, where they stand out Winding parks as the one with the greatest bureauvich and Tandil.

Also Solar energy It has gained greater importance in recent years. Since 2010, with the support of national policies, they have increased photovoltaic plants facilities. In Buenos Aires, the Provincial Program for Incentives for the Generation of Distributed Energy (Proinged) stands out, which promotes electricity generation, of renewable origin, through small energy sources close to the consumption areas.

Despite its importance, solar energy and wind energy have an incipient development. Above these energy sources, in the context of renewables, it stands out Hydroelectric productionwhich produces 30% of the total electricity in the country.

Natural Resources in Argentina - Renewable Natural Resources

If you want to read more articles similar to Natural resources in Argentinawe recommend that you enter our category of other environment.

References
    1. Di Paola, mm Research Director (Farn). (2019). Environment and Natural Resources Foundation. The curse of natural resources: how do we go?: Https://farn.org.ar/iafonline2019/articulos/la-maldicion-de-los-reborostos-natural-por-casa-como-eamos/
    Kyle Muller
    About the author
    Dr. Kyle Muller
    Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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