State-of-the-art and perspectives for the geoconservation of geosites of international significance in Argentina: The examples of Iguazú Waterfalls and Perito Moreno Glacier

Abstract

This chapter analyses the geoconservation status of the two Argentinian Geological Heritage Sites recognised by the International Union of Geological Sciences as examples of geomorphology and active geological processes, included in the 100 First Geological Heritage Sites, a list published in 2022 as a result of the International Geosciences Program (IGCP 731): the Iguazú waterfalls (IUGS GHS #85), shared with Brazil, in the North East of Argentina, and the Perito Moreno Glacier (IUGS GHS #89), close to the Chilean border, in the South West. At both sites nature conservation policies exist because they are placed in National Parks, and they were also declared as World Heritage sites by UNESCO. The most valuable geodiversity components are a waterfall system and a discharge glacier, respectively, but in the light of current conservation policies and plans they seem to be subordinated to biodiversity components due to the richness and exuberance of the tropical forest and to the pristine subantarctic forest, respectively. Geoconservation is achieved through characterization and inventories, legal regulations, monitoring, and on-site and off-site facilities for visitors. Since both sites are vulnerable to multiple threats, specific programs or strategies of geoconservation should be outlined and agreed among decision-makers at different levels.