Waste in the Aconcagua Provincial ParkThe thousands of climbers to Mount Aconcagua and other visitors to the park leave their mark in various ways. In addition to the compaction of the soil due to daily trampling, its presence originates several tons of waste, among which we count the waste from the expeditions, including the remains of discarded food, solid and liquid excreta and other types of waste characterized as “special ”. Aconcagua Ascents Such an amount of waste must necessarily be properly managed, for which there should be a system of classification, biological or thermal treatment depending on the area of the park where it originates, and its transfer for final disposal. All this must be complemented with chemical toilets or other technology that provide adequate containment of effluents and solid excreta. None of this happens there. The approach camps and the base camps have latrines with septic tanks, which usually overflow and dump their liquids onto the ground, or give off nauseating odors that not even the mountain wind can successfully dissipate. The presence of the bathrooms, plus the nearby feeding areas for climbers, also attracts wildlife species that feed on the remains, which is a relevant impact for a protected area. And if we talk about waste, it is enough to see images of the high altitude camps, where the park rangers do not arrive, to realize the state of abandonment and dirt, very far from the great spirit promoted by the authorities. Aconcagua ArgentinaWhat is the future of the Aconcagua Provincial Park?The various factors that put pressure on the ecosystems of the park, added to the influence of climate change, which in our region predicts less snowfall in the mountain range, cause concern about the future of this site and the entire Cordillera as a whole. A scenario of greater number of visitors each year, less investment in infrastructure and personnel, climatic changes, environmental deterioration caused by over exploitation, lack of management plans and implementation of conservation policies, education, research and recreation, are a fatal broth. for the environmental values that are intended to be protected, that is why it is necessary to take urgent measures to protect this symbol of the people of Mendoza and safeguard its natural and cultural values for future generations.For this reason, OIKOS asks the authorities to establish a work schedule that includes the following actions:– The elaboration of the Management Plan of the Aconcagua Provincial Park, which includes not only the survey of the natural and cultural assets present in the area, but also the specific management prescriptions that adequately regulate the uses permitted within it, with the management programs corresponding to strategic natural resources, public use and risk management;