Argentinian river communities are expressing concern over President Javier Milei’s plans to privatize operations on the Paraguay-Paraná waterway, fearing environmental damage and disruption to their way of life. The waterway is a vital shipping route for Argentina and neighboring countries, facilitating the transportation of goods overseas.
Milei’s administration announced a 30-year concession for the waterway’s management, touting it as a move to modernize operations and boost international trade. However, residents of the Paraná River delta, home to diverse flora and fauna, worry that increased shipping and dredging activities will harm the environment.
Critics, including Indigenous people like Juan Carlos García and residents like Diego Domínguez and Carlos Veron, argue that the privatization of natural resources will benefit multinational businesses at the expense of local communities. They fear pollution, habitat destruction, and the further marginalization of vulnerable populations.
The government has also highlighted security concerns, citing the waterway’s importance as a route for drug traffickers. Measures to combat drug trafficking and terrorism are planned as part of the privatization process.
While Milei has faced backlash over other privatization efforts, such as state-owned airline Aerolíneas Argentinas and the rail sector’s cargo firm, the Paraguay-Paraná proposal is considered a significant move. Analysts see it as a test of the administration’s ability to reform and improve Argentina’s economy.
Ultimately, the privatization of the Paraguay-Paraná waterway is viewed as a contentious issue with far-reaching implications for both the environment and the economy of Argentina.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com