Argentina’s budget cuts fuel wildfire catastrophe in Patagonia

Wildfires are sweeping across Argentina’s Patagonia region, destroying more than 450 square kilometres (175 sq miles) of native forest, including parts of Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Authorities have evacuated thousands of residents as flames threaten ancient alerce trees, some of which can live for more than 3,600 years, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The fires are among the most severe to hit the drought-stricken region in decades.

The crisis has drawn criticism of President Javier Milei’s austerity measures, which have drastically reduced funding for fire prevention and management. According to the environmental group FARN, the National Fire Management Service’s budget has fallen by 71% in real terms compared with last year.

“These fires are absolutely predictable,” said Ariel Slipak, an economist at FARN. “Milei has prioritised fiscal balance at all costs, leaving emergency preparedness dangerously underfunded.”

The area affected this season has already surpassed last summer’s total fire damage of 325 sq km (125 sq miles). In response, the government declared a state of emergency and allocated around $69m to firefighting efforts.

Environmental groups have also blamed climate change for worsening the situation. Hernan Giardini of Greenpeace said: “To continue denying or underestimating the effects of climate change is a political irresponsibility that will be paid for by forests and homes.”

Milei, who has previously called climate change a “socialist lie” and is considering withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, faces mounting pressure as the fires destroy an area more than twice the size of Buenos Aires.

Firefighters say the cuts have left them struggling with inadequate equipment, reduced training, and a shortage of personnel. Luis Schinelli, one of just 16 park rangers responsible for protecting Los Alerces National Park, described the situation as “teams stretched beyond their limits.”

Access difficulties, strong winds, and a shortage of aircraft have hampered efforts to contain the flames, particularly in remote areas of northern Los Alerces. A 2023 report by the National Park Administration recommended at least 700 firefighters to manage the region, but only 391 are currently employed, following layoffs and resignations under Milei’s government.

Despite the challenges, officials at Los Alerces maintain that adequate resources are available to combat the fires, though they acknowledged that funding constraints have long been an issue regardless of the administration.

By Aghakazim Guliyev