Programme

The Sierras de Ambato, in the province of Catamarca, constitute one of the most significant ecological systems in north-western Argentina. This territory contains a unique gradient of ecosystems from montane and Chaco woodlands to high-altitude grass- and wetlands and high Andean environments that support high biological diversity and play a key role in the provision of ecosystem services, especially in water regulation for local communities. There are two emblematic species: the taruca (Hippocamelus antisensis) and the guanaco (Lama guanicoe). Both have reduced, fragmented and under-pressure populations, and perform fundamental ecological functions contributing to vegetation regeneration, the nutrient cycle, and the balance of trophic chains. The Pipanaco Salt Flat, an arid wetland system is recognised as a KBA and AZE site.

In recent years, the territory has faced increasing pressures: more frequent and intense wildfires, inadequate productive practices, poaching, selective logging, infrastructure expansion, and unregulated activities, along with the potential advance of mining in sensitive areas. These threats are compounded by limited management capacity, insufficient information, and fragmented territorial governance.

The Ambato Effect programme proposes consolidating a landscape-scale conservation model based on a mosaic of protected areas articulated with communities, local governments, and organizations. The process builds on three municipal protected areas already established (covering more than 134,000 hectares) and promotes the incorporation of over 60,000 additional hectares in priority zones, with the aim of expanding a connected and functional conservation mosaic.

This programme, led by Fundación Naturaleza Argentina, supports:

• Establishment of protected municipal areas with their respective management plans through a participatory process.
• Strengthening of coordination and collaboration between communities, organizations and local governments.
• Building local capacity in territorial governance, legal tools and environmental monitoring.
• The implementation of community-based nature-based livelihood initiatives.
• Identification of key species in the Ambato mountain range ecosystem for study.
• Implementation of monitoring and information systems and operationalization of territorial control systems.