In the heart of Mendoza Province, Argentina, Laguna Llancanelo has taken an important step onto the hemispheric stage. Its recent designation as a Site of Regional Importance within the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) recognizes not only its ecological value, but also the collective effort behind its conservation.
For years, public institutions, civil society organizations, and local communities have worked together to protect this unique wetland, home to migratory shorebirds that connect landscapes and people across the Americas.
Laguna Llancanelo is a key site for migratory and resident shorebirds during the non-breeding period. Recent records obtained between 2023 and 2024 expanded the site’s shorebird list to 23 species, approximately 54% of which are Nearctic migrants. Among the most relevant species is Baird’s Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii), which reaches concentrations of hemispheric importance.
The site supports remarkable biological diversity, with 186 bird species recorded and total abundances exceeding 100,000 individuals.
This designation marks more than a milestone. It signals a shared commitment to continue strengthening site management while opening new opportunities for sustainable development rooted in the territory’s environmental value.
As Iván Funes Pinter, Director of Protected Areas of Mendoza’s Ministry of Energy and Environment, reflected:
“This international recognition marked a turning point. Moving forward, the challenge is to deepen joint efforts to ensure wetland conservation while also promoting sustainable local development linked to its environmental value.”
In the same spirit, Ignacio Haudet, Director of Biodiversity and Ecoparque of Mendoza, highlighted how this achievement reflects a broader vision:
“The incorporation of Llancanelo into the Hemisphere Network reflects a public policy that integrates science, management, and territory. These types of agreements allowed us to take a step further, not only conserving, but also generating awareness, capacity, and opportunities for the communities connected to the area.”
Today, Laguna Llancanelo stands as a key site for shorebirds and as a powerful example of what is possible when conservation is built collectively—across sectors, scales, and borders.
The designation of Laguna Llancanelo as a WHSRN site represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen conservation actions, site management, and regional cooperation for the benefit of shorebirds and the wetland’s biodiversity.
Cover Photo: Carina Rodriguez
