Saving the tropical forests and coastal steppes of Argentina

In Argentina, WLT supports projects that preserve the Atlantic Forest of Misiones (top) and the coastal steppes of Patagonia.

Project Partner Organisations:

Contact a WLT partner organisation

Contrasting landscapes

Argentina is a large country, about the size of Western Europe, and encompasses many different ecoregions. The diversity of the country’s natural habitats is reflected in the conservation projects the World Land Trust has been supporting since 1999. The Trust’s first project in Argentina helped save 15,000 acres of Coastal Steppe habitat in Patagonia, and in 2007 WLT partnered with Fundación Frontera Verde to help save and protect some of the last Atlantic Forest in Misiones, in the north of the country.

Wildlife habitats under threat

The two project areas couldn't be more different: while the Atlantic Rainforest is green and lush and teeming with wildlife, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Patagonian Steppes are nothing more than dry, dusty desert. However, looking more closely at the coastal steppes you will see that they too are teeming with wildlife and provide a home for a wealth of interesting and bizarre wildlife species, several of which threatened and endangered.

Threats to the Atlantic Forest of Misiones

The Atlantic Forest is suffering from relentless habitat destruction as the massive trees are logged for timber and to make way for plantations, and sugar cane, as well as for cattle pastures and urban developments. Just 1% of its former cover survives in Argentina.

How you can help protect the Atlantic Forest of Misiones

Threats to the Patagonian Coastal Steppe

The Patagonian Steppe is at risk of desertification through overgrazing of sheep, leading to serious erosion. The coastal areas are also at risk from unsympathetic tourism developments. Thanks to donations from World Land Trust supporters, 15,000 acres of Coastal Steppe habitat are permanently protected as Ranch of Hopes Wildlife Refuge (Estancia la Esperanza). To help with ongoing conservation work at the Wildlife Refuge, you can support the Patagonia Restoration Fund.

How you can support the ongoing conservation work at Ranch of Hopes Wildlife Refuge