Every Drop of Water Counts: Concerns for Argentina’s Glaciers

In the heart of Argentina’s wine region, Virginia de Valle underscores the importance of water, stating, “Without water, there would be no wine.” Her family’s 16-hectare vineyard in Mendoza, situated beneath the Andes, depends on glacial melt for irrigation. Yet recent legislative shifts have sparked worry among locals like De Valle, who fear the long-term viability of their water source.

Glaciers in the Andes are critical for Mendoza’s agriculture, supplying rivers that nourish crops and support daily life. During dry years, these ice formations act as a buffer against drought, ensuring consistent water flow. De Valle emphasizes, “The Andes feed the rivers and streams that sustain our valley. That’s why we say Mendoza is the daughter of water.”

A National Commitment Under Threat

Argentina pioneered global glacier protection with a 2010 law designating them as essential water reserves. The legislation barred harmful commercial activities and safeguarded the periglacial environment, including permafrost where water is locked in frozen soil. The Argentine Institute of Snow Research, Glaciology and Environmental Sciences (Ianigla) maintains a national inventory of the country’s 16,968 glaciers, which serve 36 river basins across 12 provinces, home to seven million people.

Now, provincial governments will determine if glaciers in their regions are classified as strategic. If deemed less vital, they can be removed from Ianigla’s list, stripping them of environmental safeguards. Proponents argue the 2010 law hindered economic growth, particularly for mineral-rich provinces aiming to boost copper and lithium extraction. Critics warn that such mining could disrupt water systems and jeopardize millions’ access to clean resources.

“Every drop of water counts,” De Valle adds, highlighting the delicate balance between industry and conservation.

Public sentiment remains strong against the changes. In El Chaltén, Patagonia, and beyond, the slogan “Los glaciares no se tocan” — meaning “hands off the glaciers” — adorns walls and streets. Over 100,000 citizens registered for a March hearing at Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies, though only a small fraction could speak during the event.

Agostina Rossi Serra, a biologist with Greenpeace, notes the widespread public support: “It’s not just environmental groups pushing for glacier protection; it’s the people who understand its value.” President Javier Milei, eager to reduce regulatory barriers, envisions mining as a pathway to unlock billions in investment. He contrasts Argentina’s copper exports with Chile’s $20bn annual output, arguing the old law stifled economic progress.

Despite this, De Valle doubts Milei’s commitment to natural resources. Meanwhile, mining firms like Glencore, Lundin, and BHP Group have lobbied the president, pledging $40bn in investments for Argentina’s copper industry. However, arid provinces such as Mendoza and San Juan, which already face water scarcity, are divided on the issue.