Médanos del Chaco National Park: Environmentalists call for second protest

The Coalición Por los bosques, a group of civil society organizations, has called for a second protest in defense of the Médanos del Chaco National Park. The mobilization is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, at 08:30 in front of the National Congress.

The protest aims to demand the withdrawal of a bill currently before the Chamber of Deputies that would allow for the exploration and potential exploitation of hydrocarbons within the protected area. This follows a previous demonstration on August 25, where activists gathered at Plaza Uruguaya to collect signatures and present a statement to the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Raúl Latorre.

Environmental and social sectors warn that modifying current legislation could weaken the legal protection of the park and impact regional biodiversity. Specific concerns include the potential effects on the Yrenda Aquifer, the Timane River basin, and the territorial, cultural, and human rights of the Ayoreo and Guarani Ñandeva peoples, including groups living in voluntary isolation.