Patagonia Wildfires Reignite Debate Over Argentina's Underfunded Environmental Agencies Amid Budget Cuts

Widespread Wildfires Engulf Patagonia

Major wildfires have swept across Argentina's Patagonia region since early January 2026, particularly impacting the southern Chubut province. These blazes have threatened critical natural areas, including Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Satellite imagery from NASA detected widespread fire activity beginning on January 5, 2026. By January 11, approximately 7,000 hectares of native forest in Chubut had been consumed, a situation described by Chubut's Secretary of Forests, Abel Nievas, as 'the worst environmental tragedy in 20 years' for the province. As of January 26, 2026, at least 21,000 hectares (52,000 acres) of forest and grassland have been destroyed in and around Los Alerces National Park. The fires have also affected the provinces of Río Negro and Neuquén, leading to the preventive evacuation of around 3,520 people, including residents and tourists, in early January. At least ten homes were destroyed in Puerto Patriada.

Contributing Factors and Suspected Arson

The intensity and spread of the fires have been exacerbated by extreme weather conditions, including historic drought, high temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), and strong winds. Climate change is identified as a significant factor, with regional temperatures increasing by an average of 1.5°C over the last 50 years. While some initial ignitions were attributed to lightning, investigations are underway into potential foul play, with local authorities in Chubut suspecting intentional arson. Human activity is estimated to be responsible for 95% of forest fires in Argentina, stemming from either negligence or deliberate acts.

Budget Cuts Cripple Environmental Response

The ongoing crisis has reignited a heated debate over the substantial budget cuts implemented by President Javier Milei's administration since he took office in 2023. Critics argue that these cuts have severely hampered Argentina's capacity for fire prevention and response. Key reductions include:

• The Ministry of Environment was downgraded to an undersecretariat within the Secretary of Tourism, Environment and Sports.
• Between 2023 and 2024, the undersecretariat's budget saw a 79.4% reduction.
• The National Fire Management Service experienced an 81% budget cut in 2024, with further cuts in the 2026 budget expected to nearly halve its funds.
• The National Fund for the Enrichment and Conservation of Native Forests received no spending in 2024.
• The National Parks Administration currently employs fewer than 400 firefighters to cover approximately 5 million hectares, despite a 2023 report indicating a minimum requirement of 700.

Matías Cena Trebucq, an economist at the Foundation for Environment and Natural Resources (FARN), noted a 70% reduction in the fire management budget since 2023. President Milei has publicly expressed skepticism about climate change, referring to it as a 'socialist hoax' and suggesting that environmental protections impede business growth. These policies have also impacted scientific research, with the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) facing significant defunding, leading to canceled projects and closed calls, including those related to climate change research.

Calls for Increased Funding and Proactive Measures

Environmental organizations, including Greenpeace Argentina and the Wildlife Foundation of Argentina, have voiced strong criticism regarding the budget cuts and the resulting staff shortages. They assert that these measures undermine effective fire prevention and containment strategies. Critics contend that the government's current approach is predominantly reactive, focusing on extinguishing fires rather than investing in crucial preventative and mitigative actions. The ongoing wildfires underscore the urgent need for a more robust and adequately funded environmental framework in Argentina.