Indicate which actions have been carried out to implement this Resolution :
Convene stakeholders/Networking
Policy influencing/advocacy
Describe the results/achievements of the actions taken:
Communication has been maintained with involved organizations, including the Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, to monitor the situation of the guanaco across Argentine provinces. This follows from agreements reached during a meeting on May 30, 2023, with Gabriel Quijandría, Regional Director of IUCN, at the offices of Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales. The meeting, which addressed, among other issues, the pressures from livestock sectors, focused on the need to update the management plan for guanacos.
In recent months, significant advancements have been made in the sustainable management of the guanaco in Argentina, particularly with the update of the National Plan for the Sustainable Management of the Guanaco through Disposition 812/2024. This update calls upon provinces and non-governmental organizations to collaborate towards a national consensus, allowing for a balanced integration of the species into environmental, touristic, and agricultural activities.
The plan addresses the need to manage guanaco populations through various modalities such as wild management, herding, shearing and release; slaughter and the commercialization of products like meat and fiber. It aims to promote sustainable management and agricultural practices that mitigate conflicts with other herbivores and carnivores.
The Argentine government has also highlighted the importance of this plan as a step forward in developing regional economies, making livestock farming compatible with wildlife conservation, thereby contributing to a greater valuation of the guanaco.
Furthermore, monitoring systems for guanaco populations have been proposed to ensure the sustainability of management practices and to provide information for necessary corrective measures. Special attention has been given to traceability, population monitoring, and conservation to ensure that guanaco use does not compromise its survival.
These efforts reflect a renewed commitment to the sustainable management of the guanaco, integrating conservation concerns with productive development and community participation in the management of this key species. However, the topic remains controversial, with various positions regarding the species management and conservation approaches. This controversy stems from differing views on ecological impacts, economic benefits, and the ethical considerations of wildlife management.
What challenges/obstacles have been encountered in the implementation of this Resolution and how were they overcome :
Local actors perceive the guanaco as a pest, despite it being a native species. Climate change has exacerbated drought conditions, reducing the availability of foliage which is crucial for the guanaco's survival. Sheep farmers, who see the guanaco as competitors for scarce pasture resources, are generally resistant to dialogue. This reluctance complicates efforts to implement sustainable management practices that balance the needs of wildlife with agricultural interests.
The challenges in managing the guanaco population are significant. They stem from the direct competition for food resources between guanacos and livestock, particularly in regions where pasture is scarce due to severe drought conditions. The situation is compounded by a lack of willingness among some local stakeholders, especially sheep farmers, to engage in conservation dialogues or adapt to management strategies that consider both agricultural and ecological sustainability.
Efforts to promote sustainable practices and dialogue are often met with resistance, highlighting the need for more comprehensive educational programs and community engagement initiatives to bridge the gap between conservation goals and agricultural needs. This includes creating awareness of the ecological benefits guanacos bring to their habitats and demonstrating how sustainable management can potentially benefit both biodiversity and the agricultural sector.
Briefly describe what future actions are needed for the implementation of this Resolution:
To advance the new Management Plan for the guanaco, key actions include conducting a thorough population census to accurately assess their numbers, facilitating dialogue among stakeholders such as local communities, livestock breeders, and conservationists, and securing political support from the new authorities in Santa Cruz and the Ministry of the Environment. Enhancing legislative and regulatory frameworks, providing economic incentives for sustainable management, ongoing research and monitoring, and implementing education campaigns are also critical. These measures aim to balance conservation needs with community livelihoods, ensuring the long-term viability of guanaco populations and their habitats
Are these actions planned for yet:
