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Guillermo Harris on Conservation
Efforts in Patagonia
(continued)
 Overgrazing Sheep overgrazing of Patagonia is causing serious desertification of this region. Patagonia, the size of Spain and Portugal combined, was once called by Charles Darwin the most wretched place on earth. Yet in later years, memories of the strange beauty of the open, windswept plains returned to haunt him. The land retains this untouched beauty today, with one of the lowest population densities anywhere. However, sheep are beginning to change the character of the land by stripping it of its sparse vegetation. Deserts do not attract our attention usually because they are harsh and lonely places. Forgotten by all and left to the mercy of unchecked sheep-farming, Patagonia may yet become the inhospitable place that Darwin once referred to.
How
Things Stand How You Can Help Fundacion Patagonia Natural Created in 1989 to help protect the wildlife and the environment of Patagonia through research and education. Has a team of committed people, that include scientists, teachers, wildlife wardens and many more from different walks of life, all working to protect coastal wildlife species such as right whales, sea lions, elephant seals and penguins, as well as the wildlife of the steppe and southern Andes. Although still relatively young, has grown to become one of the leading NGOs in community based action for the protection of the natural environment of Patagonia. Is the on-site NGO in Patagonia. Wildlife Conservation Society Created in 1886, is among the oldest and most effective international wildlife conservation organizations in the world. Has worked in Patagonia since the 1960s and working primarily through Argentines has been effective through research and education in assisting the governments of Patagonia protect the spectacular aggregations of birds and mammals such as the Magellanic penguin, Southern elephant seal and Right whale. Sociedad Naturalista Established in 1989, carries out effective conservation action of the Southern Andean forest region primarily through an active education program. Fundacion Ambiente y Recursos Naturales Dedicated to environmental law, FARN is a highly qualified NGO devoted to improving legislation concerning the protection of nature. Is effective in education and community participation. Fundacion Vida Silvestre Over 20 years old, this is one of Argentina's best known NGO's. Its work is based primarily on education. FVSA also carries out research on several species of wildlife in Patagonia including one of the indigenous deer the Huemul and the recently discovered Hooded grebe. Sociedad Ornitologica del Plata One of the oldest NGOs in Argentina. Dedicated to increasing the knowledge and understanding of the birds of Argentina. |
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