Background Information
Green Cross Argentina was created on March 15th, 1997. Mikhail Gorbachev ’s inspiring ideals and the strong desire to share in his battle for a peaceful and sustainable world were determining factors in starting our chapter.
GC Argentina promotes activities around the Earth Charter such as roundtables, papers, public hearings, approaching congressmen and governmental authorities to create the need to approve the Earth Charter principles as state policy.
National programs
Projects were held in collaboration with the Fondo Nacional para Ciencia y Técnica (FONCyt), or the National Fund for Science and Technology.
1. Pilcomayo River Programme in Northern Argentina
An environmental impact assessment was carried out following the construction of mine industries in neighboring Bolivia, focusing on the impact of hard metal pollution on indigenous tribes in Northern Argentina region.
2. Emergency response and river clean-up programme in Buenos Aires
The aim of the programme is to reduce the impact of potential flood disasters in southern Buenos Aires. The main activity is to improve the prevention and alarm system to decrease the risk and impact of catastrophes. GC Argentina is a key player within the Riachuelo River Commission and helps devise strategies for more efficient river pollution control and effective emergency responses in the event of floods.
3. Pirquitas Project
This project proposes the design of an environmental model of watershed, which contemplates all the structural and non-structural requirements according to the thematic areas, in an attempt to protect and preserve natural resources (specifically water). Furthermore, further study of the Las Pirquitas dam as proposed to develop more efficient future strategies.
4. Development of environmental policy for the City of Buenos Aires and training of environmental policy leaders
Green Cross Argentina has established strong ties with the City of Buenos Aires and Ministry of the
Environment. GC Argentina and the City of Buenos Aires have agreed to develop a comprehensive plan on urban solid waste management in order to find sustainable strategies relating to land fills, treatment plants and conversion plants procedures. In addition, GC Argentina has a key role in the election of Chief of Government of the City to ensure that sound environmental policies will be implemented. Projects are underway to discuss, assess and agree on proposals for environmental programs for the city with the active participation of GC Argentina.
5. Yungas Project
An assessment was carried out to investigate the environmental impacts of intensive agriculture practices extending into the Yunga jungle (northwest Argentina) during the past 30 years. New forms of sustainable farming methods were introduced based on the impact assessment.
6. Environmental education programmes for disabled children
The objective of this project is to contribute to the integral formation of disabled children through participating in activities on an ecological farm (organic food processing, basic agriculture, etc.). The activities help children think of environmental issues independently and gain a first hand experience of protecting the environment in which they live in.
7. Forest fire risk reduction in the City of San Carlos de Bariloche
As a result of the increase in forest fires and the implications of a growing town center, the project aims to contribute to the training of local settlers to respond and manager forest fires more efficiently in the summer seasons.
8. Huemul Island Project
A fundraising project to support sustainable tourism in Nahuel Huapi National Park in Southwest Argentina. Throughout the 1950s, the island which constitutes today’s national park harbored the first nuclear fusion activities in Argentina. Today, the remains of the laboratories and nuclear facilities are displayed as a modern environmental science museum and complemented by nature tours in the surrounding area. The funds collected will help build an environmentally friendly boat to transport visitors to the island.
International programs
Conflict resolution of Paper Mills Implantation Project
GC Argentina has conducted an environmental impact assessment to investigate the impact of the Paper Mills Implantation Project, specifically the possibility of trans-boundary air and water pollution across national borders and the consequences on the local Argentinean population in the city of Gualeguaychu. The objective of the project is to establish a platform for dialogue and conflict resolution between the various stakeholders affected by the paper mills.
Neuquen Province Development Programme
A project to promote sustainable development practices throughout the Neuquen Province. The main outcome of the project is to convert industries in the province toward more sustainable sylviculture and tourism industry practices as well as to promote the use of renewable energies (hydroelectric and wind) and sustainable development of ore mines.
Earth Charter activities in Buenos Aires
Based on the principles of the Earth Charter, GC Argentina actively participated in environmental education programmes across Buenos Aires with 28 local environmental organisations and 32 schools. The coalition of organisations proposed new ways of protecting the environment for communities and gave presentations to schoolchildren across the city. A similar project is the Earth Charter Youth Contest in which proposals for environmental initiatives are created by youth and the activities are supported by GC Argentina throughout South America.
Floods Mission in Corrientes Province
Last may (1998), a mission between GCA, GCUK, GCI and White Helmets (from Argentina), carried out in Corrientes Province (Northeast of Argentina) for the Government of Corrientes. The objective of the study was to provide an initial evaluation of the impacts of the recent floods in this Province and propose practical measures to be taken during the initial period, when the people return to their homes.
Communication & events
June 7, 2008
Conference on the development of Atomic Energy in Argentina.
June 13, 2008
Presentation to the Authorities of the city of Buenos Aires the Agenda XXI and a further discussion on what is missing in BA on that subject.
June 25-30, 2008
Green Cross Argentina Campaign on Values Change for Sustainability
The companies that manage publicity in Buenos Aires have lent 20 central points in the city in which Green Cross will install posters about Green Cross as part of the values and behavior change campaign.
July 4, 2008
Conference on Security, Poverty and Environment.
Earth Charter Youth Contest
The winners of the Earth Charter Youth Contest were rewarded for their positive contribution to our environment and the local community.
