Protecting and restoring ecosystems in the province of Salta, particularly in the eastern region near the border with Formosa, is vital to preserving one of Argentina’s most ecologically diverse landscapes. This area forms part of the Gran Chaco, a vast dry forest and savanna ecosystem characterized by quebracho trees, carob trees (Prosopis spp.), and a mosaic of thorny shrubs and grasslands.
The region experiences a subtropical climate with marked dry and wet seasons, supporting unique wildlife such as the jaguar (Panthera onca), giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), and countless bird species. However, this ecosystem faces intense pressures from agricultural expansion, deforestation, and unsustainable cattle ranching, which have led to habitat fragmentation, soil degradation, and reduced water availability. Protecting this region ensures the survival of its biodiversity and maintains essential ecological processes that sustain both wildlife and human communities.
Restoration efforts in Salta’s Chaco forests and transitional wetlands can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and improving local resilience. Conservation initiatives in this region are key not only to contribute to national and global conservation goals but also strengthen the livelihoods of rural communities. By integrating ecological restoration with sustainable production systems and community-led management, Salta can become a model for balancing conservation and development in South America’s dry forest regions.