Reserva ecológica Costanera Sur (SPA-ENG)

Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve

In the world, and of course in the people who inhabit it, there have always been catastrophes, periods of anxiety and extreme darkness that in many cases become or transform into something better, superior, or relevant. This is how humanity recovers from those terrible blows that seem to end life itself. Without this resilience, it would be impossible to continue.

Here in Buenos Aires, we have a unique example of how something that began badly and caused separation, uprooting, and, why not, the destruction of a part of the urban, historical, and social fabric, unwittingly created a unique ecosystem within Argentina's Federal Capital.

To explain this phenomenon, we must go back in time and memory to the 1970s, when de facto governments were commonplace in our country. With them, in many cases, came tyranny, arrogance, and the subjugation of all inhabitants. In this context, the military in power designed an ambitious public works plan that included the design and planning of a series of urban highways that would crisscross the city and provide a vehicular connection to and from the province of Buenos Aires. Construction began during the last military dictatorship in 1976.

Without consulting residents, without conducting environmental and social impact studies or public hearings, without involving them in the layout or how to carry out the works that necessarily had to be carried out in this enormous engineering project, expropriations and demolitions were carried out, including houses, buildings, clubs, streets, and even trees. A large number of families were displaced from their homes without a clear and fair process; there is even talk that some of them were never compensated for what was taken from them.

All this enormous amount of debris was taken to the southern coast of the Río de la Plata and deposited there to reclaim land from the river to design a massive urban development project that was never carried out. Neglect, time, and nature itself did the rest. From what was once just a huge pile of rubble, trees and plants began to grow, and many animals moved to a new, natural space for them.

The remains of neighborhoods destroyed and razed by an urban highway project gave rise, unintentionally, to the largest ecological reserve in the city of Buenos Aires.

Beginning in the second half of the 1980s, neighborhood groups began a slow and silent effort to preserve what nature had created there, and an Association of Friends of the Ecological Reserve was founded. By the beginning of the following decade, the city government began to recognize its environmental value, and the initial work began to provide it with trails, informational signs, and some glimpses of the necessary infrastructure so the public could stroll and enjoy the surroundings.

As the 21st century began, efforts to consolidate the site took on the necessary seriousness. The ecological reserve was included in the Buenos Aires City system of protected areas. More signage, trails, and wooden viewing platforms were built, as well as public restrooms and a building to house thematic and interpretive spaces.

In recent years, the reserve has improved substantially, with more paths and platforms, rest areas, and the remodeling of the area closest to the river, with extensive infrastructure for enjoying the surroundings. Cycling, running, hiking, and walking with guides and park rangers are some of the main attractions. Photographic safaris are organized, attracting not only city residents but also many foreigners who bring their expensive equipment to photograph the many birds and small mammals that inhabit the area.

It's a popular spot for city residents, as well as my wife and I. We go for walks, enjoy the outdoors, and observe the lush flora and fauna, all just 20 minutes from home and without leaving the Federal Capital.

The ecological reserve is located just a few meters from the city's most modern and luxurious neighborhood, Puerto Madero. Along with its own plazas and parks, the reserve forms a prime district for family recreation. Dozens of restaurants, movie theaters, and many other attractions and entertainment venues make the entire area ideal for having a good time and enjoying life.

The Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve is, in a way, a well-healed scar from a deep and painful wound from times past. Its flowers, plants, lagoons, and birds hide remnants of houses, streets, and neighborhood memories. It's a reminder of intemperance and destructive authoritarianism, and that life always finds a way to flourish again, despite everything.