Rewilding Argentina-The Mass Restoration of damaged ecosystems

Every time we want to design itineraries for travelers who love to be surrounded by nature and at the same time learn about conservation, we can think about many places in Argentina. Argentina is blessed with a great diversity of Natural Environments, where different projects of conservation are arising. One of them is Rewilding Experience Argentina. Rincon del Socorro, Estancia Ibera and Posada Uguay are the jewels of this conservation trust and we are very happy to promote them between our clients.

“Rewilding means the mass restoration of damaged ecosystems. It involves letting trees return to places that have been denuded, allowing parts of the seabed to recover from trawling and dredging, permitting rivers to flow freely again. Above all, it means bringing back missing species.”George  Monbiot

Rewilding looks to recuperate the unique properties of ecosystems through the active management of its environments and native species, by accelerating the natural process of restoration, and even by reversing the extinction of key species. The objective of all their programs is to completely restore the ecosystems in protected areas located in the eco-regions of the Gran Chaco, the Patagonia steppe, the Sub-antarctic forest, the coast, the Paraná forest and the Yungas. They have a team of highly skilled and motivated people who have a wealth of experience acquired over more than fifteen years of continuous work in Argentina. Their restoration and conservation actions include the translocation of individual wild animals with the goal of reintroducing or supplementing the population of native species, managing grasslands through prescribed burns, the enrichment of degraded forests, removal of fences and the closing of unnecessary roads, control of exotic species and the removal of domestic livestock. Jaguars and pumas are the top large predators in Argentina, and both species have been persecuted by man. At Rewilding Argentina, they favor the recovery and conservation of both, while they understand that coexistence with humans depends on the development of alternative economies, like wildlife-viewing, as well as active management according to regional needs. 

Kallpa understands that through travel we are able to connect people with fragile natural areas and local communities, protecting nature and encouraging local crafts & customs. Responsible tourism can create & sustain local economies, ensuring the protection ofulture and avoiding the extinction of native species.

Oceano Patagonia- A Wild Coast Residence cares about sustainability

Oceano Patagonia: Wild Coast Residence cares about sustainability by balancing environmental care with support to local economies in Peninsula Valdés.

Its goal was to build the best boutique accommodation in the area, in terms of building design, service level and with the minimum impact on the environment. To make it possible, the hotel prioritizes the use of local resources & suppliers, the selection of construction materials used and national technology.

The Oceano Patagonia eco-suites are located on the beach in the heart of Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a sanctuary for many species of animals that live here throughout the year.“We stood on the beach looking at this deep blue bay and unique fauna and felt profoundly committed to doing our best to generate the least possible impact and transmit these values to our guests. ” says Marcelo Battilana, one of the developers of Oceano Patagonia Sharilyn Amy, the other founder of Ocean Patagonia, continues: “There is really no other place in the world like the Peninsula and we wanted to do everything possible to make decisions that would protect this oasis and address the main environmental problems of the area: Energy and Water.”To achieve these sustainable principles, Oceano Patagonia invested in technology to meet the challenges in the area, by installing:

 

  • Geothermal energy provides heating, air conditioning and hot water using only 5% of the energy of other systems.
  • Gray water system, reducing water and sewer consumption by 50%
  • LED lamps, reducing electricity consumption by 20%
  • Improve the building thermal isolation, by using specific masonry and carpentry.
  • Recycled wood for furniture, manufactured by artisanal carpenters, as a way to encourage small-scale Argentine producers.
  • Photovoltaic panels contribute to the generation of energy to compensate for the already low consumption of the building.

In addition, they have a strong commitment to supporting the local economy. Its policy was and is to work with local and Argentine suppliers: 90% of its materials were purchased in the province. Nowadays, they are buying all their food and body care products used in the Patagonia Ocean from local suppliers.

 “The challenge of sourcing local suppliers has opened up a lot of new relationships across the country,” explains Amy, “And it helped us start a broader conversation about our responsibility to the environment.”

 

The hotel founders are personally involved in making these environmental commitments possible with every operating decision they take.

Ocean Patagonia is one of the most eco-friendly buildings in Argentina … and one of its kind in the province of Chubut.

Rural Tourism Network in the Calchaqui Valleys, Salta

Over the last few years, we have learnt that a different, accessible and more responsible way to travel is much needed.

 

In Kallpa we understand that we can contribute to transform our industry by developing experiences that enhance this trait.

More travellers are looking to go beyond just visiting a new foreign country. 

They are starting to look for different ways to enrich their experience by

 learning  and experimenting with locals, sharing activities as well as getting knowledge of rural and native communities lifestyle. The cultural exchange and mutual respect between local people and visitors, provides real  growth for both parties and a true development opportunity.

Salta has been a leading destination in Argentina for rural community tourism. Twelve local communities from the Calchaquí Valley joined to create a cooperative organization that is self-managed by families of farmers and artisans who open their doors to share different activities and experiences with visitors from all around the world.The whole network contributes with part of their income for a common purpose decided by all families involved in the project. It can be providing solar panels to a specific area where there is no electricity available  or making the necessary infrastructure to get drinkable water.

These communities are open to visitors to experience rural tourism, taking part in daily farming activities, visiting artisans and doing outdoor strolls or horseback rides. Cook and taste the local typical dishes such as empanadas, locro (meat and vegetable stew) tamales and humitas.  Using a mud oven, sharing  local traditions, taking care of a flock of goats, learning about grapevine and artisanal winemaking, visiting archaeological sites, hiking through the hills, learning craftworks like pottery, using a loom or sharing a religious festivity, among others. Wine tasting is also available in certain communities.

A once in a lifetime experience to be a local for a few memorable moments and enhance the travel experience in a sustainable way.

NOTE

  • Available options: Half day experience, including an activity and lunch with local family. Full day experience including overnight at a local family home, full board and activities.
  • Travellers are assigned to Communities depending on their availability and the activity that the visitors would like to take part in.
  • It is important to book the experience in advance, so that the community families can be prepared for the visit, and also for the visitor to read the Ethical Code of Conduct that will be provided.

Solar del Tropico where Nature, Art and Sustainability blend together

In Huacalera, only 15 km from Tilcara, you can find 4 comfortable rooms at Solar del Tropico Bed and Breakfast, to enjoy in a sustainable way your visit to Quebrada de Humahuaca.

What it’s owners, Analia and Remy, do to preserve the environment and contribute to the local community?

  • They are Pioneers in organic agriculture free of pesticides and chemicals.
  • Meals offered in the restaurant are based on seasonal and fresh products.
    1. This helps to save energy needed to preserve off-season food. 
    2. Ingredients used are self-produced or from local producers. Slow food concept.
    3. It is possible to adapt the fix menu offered to vegetarian, vegan, tacc free, according to guest needs.

 Water heating is carried out with solar panels, considerably reducing the use of gas heating. 

  • The hotel is a bio-built, adobe house with a mud roof. Oriented to the north for the maximum use of light and heat from the sun as well as having aesthetic benefits. The walls are trombe walls, which allows a greenhouse effect inside. 
  • All lighting is led.
  • Garbage worries. Organic waste goes into compost to fertilize the soil. Plastic is accumulated and personally taken to a recycling center. Glass bottles of beverages are kept to make a greenhouse, in the coming years.
  • Art is present. It is possible to attend a Painting workshop. Remy Rasse, graduated from the School of Fine Arts of Lyon (France), guides the workshop which will cover from landscapes to abstract themes. Several different techniques can be used: watercolors,  gouache,  ink, and oils, working both outside from the subject and in the workshop.

Energy saving, responsible use of water and avoiding garbage footprints is vital in Solar del Tropico B&B., and so is for us in Kallpa. We  care about the ecological and social impact that our activities have on local communities, choosing carefully people like Remy & Analia with whom we share this sustainable vision of travel.