Mountain wetlands of Argentina

QUINTANA, RUBÉN; ABRAHAM, ELENA; ARZAMENDIA, YANINA; EPELE, LUIS; RUBIO, CLARA; BALDO, JORGE. L.; ROJO, VERONICA; RUBIO, CECILIA; SOLÍS, NATALIA; KANDUS, PATRICIA

Wetlands of Mountainous Regions: Biodiversity, Livelihoods and Conservation

wiley

Año: 2025; p. 277 - 312

The mountain wetlands in Argentina are intricately linked with the Andes mountain range. The high heterogeneity in their climatic and biogeophysical conditions gives rise to a rich diversity of wetland types, each harboring unique biodiversity and making distinct contributions. According to the zoning of wetland regions in Argentina, mountain wetlands are encompassed within three of the wetland regions and within three corresponding subregions: Mountain Pre-Andean and Sub-Andean Wetlands Region; high Andean and Puna Wetlands Region (including Subregion high Andean vegas, shallow lakes, and salt flats of the Puna and Subregion high Andean vegas and shallow lakes); Patagonian Wetlands Region (including Subregion lakes, streams, and mallines of the Patagonian Andes). These wetlands constitute socio-ecosystems that bestow essential benefits upon society, particularly water supply, as well as preserve exceptional biodiversity. Additionally, Argentina´s mountain wetlands hold significance beyond their ecological and utilitarian value due to their cultural importance for local communities and indigenous peoples. While many of these wetlands are still relatively well conserved, in recent decades, accelerated changes in land use along with the effects of climate change are leading to the loss and degradation of these ecosystems in different areas of the Los Andes mountain range. The negative impacts on the environment and people resulting from wetlands loss and degradation have led to a significant debate in society regarding the need to conserve and implement sustainable management of wetlands at the national level. In this regard, there are increasingly more voices calling for greater protection of these ecosystems. Unfortunately, to date, there has not been any political decision on how to manage these ecosystems. The national government, along with the provincial ones encompassing these wetland regions must urgently prioritize the integration of wetlands into their public policies, ensuring their protection and sustainable use.