Argentina's diverse landscapes, including the Pampas, Chaco region, and Yungas forests, are under threat from deforestation, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. Additionally, the country faces significant climate challenges such as increasing droughts, extreme weather events, and changing rainfall patterns, which further exacerbate these environmental issues. The Sustainable Recovery of Landscapes and Livelihoods program, supported by PROGREEN, aims to address these challenges by improving ecosystem management and enhancing the resilience of local communities.  

 PROGREEN supports both a country investment program and a knowledge program in Argentina, associated to the parent “Sustainable Recovery of Landscapes and Livelihoods” project. This project aims improve the management and resilience of ecosystems and the related livelihoods of local communities in selected conservation and production landscapes and seascapes.  

The approach taken by the project is comprehensive, involving capacity-building, landscape modeling, the promotion of sustainable practices, and the development of value chains that align with conservation objectives. The project also emphasizes stakeholder engagement to ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of its initiatives. 

In fiscal year 2024, efforts have centered on capacity-building, landscape modeling, and the development of value chains that align with conservation objectives. 

Progress has been made in several areas. Training initiatives have successfully equipped 53 individuals, including 31 members of peasant communities, with skills in wildlife monitoring, while 55 people have been trained in sustainable meat and timber production in the Chaco region. Additionally, 26 individuals have learned about designing multifunctional landscapes, 19 have been trained in managing carob plantations, and 22 have received instruction on biodiversity corridors. 

Analytical work, such as the fiscal incentives analysis, has been presented to stakeholders and development partners, facilitating collaboration with organizations like the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). An assessment of key value chains, including tourism, timber, livestock, and honey, has also been completed, with strategies proposed for their sustainable development. 

Infrastructure improvements and strategic planning efforts are underway to enhance the management of national parks and protected areas, supported by the acquisition of essential equipment. Seventeen Community Driven Development subprojects are advancing, focusing on promoting sustainable landscape management. 

The project has also emphasized training vulnerable populations, leading to 49 individuals receiving certification in food safety management and 322 participants gaining skills in areas such as rural tourism and agroecology. 

Overall, PROGREEN’s investment and knowledge programs in Argentina are aligned with the country’s environmental commitments, contributing to global biodiversity frameworks and national adaptation plans. Despite some delays due to recent governmental changes, significant progress has been made in enhancing ecosystem management and supporting sustainable livelihoods.